The Kits had their first conference game against Maine South on Tuesday evening and came off with a strong 4-0 victory. Despite the score reflecting an easy match, Maine South was a tough competitor, drawing three yellow cards and a red card, and in return received two yellows. Nevertheless, the Hawks were unable to keep up with the intensity and connection the Kits brought to the field.
With a fiery start to the game, captain George Lewis flew a great ball into the opposing team’s box, finding the head of senior Joseph Sargent for a goal in the 31st minute.
“We always look to score early and we got the job done. After that, all my nerves went away,” Sargent commented on his first of two goals.
With 16 minutes to go, senior Cristiano Hamer dribbled past Hawks defenders and scored from an almost impossible side-angle granted with the assist from senior Stuart Keely-walker. Despite statistically not having one of his strongest games, Keely-walker had a phenomenal game, keeping the midfield composed and the opposing defense on their toes. Shortly after Hamer’s goal, he was sent off the field for receiving a yellow card for reckless force.
The Kits were up 2-0 when the second-half whistle was blown, but the team knew the job was not done. Sargent once again went to strike 10 minutes into the half, facing the Hawks’ goalie in a 1-on-1 position, thanks to the accuracy of senior Zack O’donovan’s assist. Only a minute after taking this 3-0 lead, Hamer receives his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card. 29 minutes of play remained, but only ten Kits were able to finish the game after the extreme call. The intensity only rose, as senior center back Kingston Scrim received the third yellow card for Evanston, and two more yellows were drawn against Maine South. Senior John O’carroll scored the last goal of the game on a strong connection between Lewis and Sargent ending the game 4-0.
“This was a statement game,” head coach Franz Calixte said. “Ride the momentum.”
After a strong win while competing with a player down for 30 minutes, the Kits move closer to the dream, the goal, the State Championship. The next conference game is this Thursday at Deerfield as the Kits plan to “ride the momentum” through this week.
