The game began with high energy. The baseball team was there at the game, starting the wave and screaming cheers. Every player was moving quickly and accurately, passing the ball around the field. It was fast paced, and kept the crowd’s eyes focused on the ball. In the first few minutes of the game, sophomore Tyler Hansen, with the assist of sophomore Ryan Ly, made an attempt to score, but sadly the ball missed the goal by a few inches. Next, Junior and goalie Steve Criss kicked the ball down the field. Sophomore Shahid Tam headed the ball, Junior Kasra Jafroodi passed the ball down the field, and again Tyler Hansen attempted another goal, yet again it did not make it into the goal. The Whitney Wildcats made two attempts for a goal, yet they did not make a goal either. It was back and forth between teams, each team attempting to score, yet never making it in. The defense on both teams did a good job of keeping the ball from making it into the goal. Next, the Whitney goalie slipped outside of the goal, leaving a wide opening for Tyler Hansen to make a goal, however the ball bounced off of the goal post, leaving the score still at 0-0. Following that attempt were many falls and collisions causing various time outs and free kicks, yet still no goal. Halftime ended with a great block by goalie Steve Criss. The score was tied at 0-0.

The second half of the game began. The Patriot boys still held their heads up high with hopes of defeating their rival. It began with good teamwork and communication between the Patriots. Junior Jonathan Berry Smith, swerved the ball down the fall, leaned in as if he was about to trip, but continued down the field towards the goal. Sadly, still no goal. One of the Wildcat players tripped Tyler Hansen, giving the Patriots a free kick. Oxford kept getting so close to scoring a goal, but it was just not there. The boys played aggressively, aiming to score a goal. Soon there was an uproar from the other team’s coaches. Both of Whitney’s coaches were on the field, yelling at the referee. One of the coaches received a yellow card and then they both returned back to their side of the field. The Patriots and the Wildcats started becoming frustrated. Shahid Tam also received a yellow card, yet went back into the game a few minutes later. He was just in time for a free kick. It was the last few minutes of the game and the crowd was on their feet. The ball was so close to being in the goal, yet it bounced off of the post. The second half was over, with the score still at 0-0, meaning that the game would go into overtime.

Overtime began with both teams anxious to win. Freshman, Tony Sanchez was very close to scoring a goal, yet the force of the kick sent the ball over the net. Shahid Tam and Tony Sanchez both received a free kick, yet still no goal. A Wildcat player received a yellow card. Both teams were on edge, and were becoming desperate for a goal. Ryan Ly attempted a goal twice, but still no goal. Overtime was over and the game ended with the score being 0-0.

The Patriots tried their hardest throughout the game, but Whitney played their best as well. We can only say to wait until the next time when the Patriots will play the Wildcats again and defeat them, only to earn our rightful title as champions.