by Jack Link ‘21

Junior Braden Kindred(13) and Sophomore Astawaye Seyoum(15) fights for the ball at the varsity boys soccer game against Waltman

The varsity boys soccer team took a big stride in the right direction with a 2-1 victory on September 17 against B-CC, which at the time was the 4th ranked team in the state. The Warriors followed up that win with a 2-0 away victory against Paint Branch on September 21.

The season suddenly looks promising after early disappointments, including a pre-season loss on an overtime “golden goal” to state title contenders Walter Johnson. However, Sherwood proved in that scrimmage that could stand up against a top team. “The team still had high hopes for the season,” said senior Michael Rohrman. The team’s confidence increased further with a 1-1 tie against Good Counsel. 

Determination was the driving force going into the game against Whitman on September 14, but winning headers was one of the main struggles for both Sherwood’s defense and offense. Both goals scored by Whitman were a result of missed headers or poor anticipation. 

Things took a turn in the highly anticipated B-CC matchup. Their team is praised for always having solid players and a well-rounded lineup, and B-CC started the game strongly, scoring their first and only goal with 15 minutes left in the first half. 

With two minutes remaining in the half, a long ball soared into the B-CC’s 18-yard box, bouncing around before getting booted to the back left corner of the field. With great hustle, junior midfielder Braden Kindred trapped the ball before it went out of bounds and put a cross into the box once more. Junior centerback Sean Lopes jumped into the air in and knocked the ball into the back of the net. Effort and desire led to rough and costly fouls for both teams with Sherwood committing 12 all game and B-CC having a total of 22 fouls committed. Overtime began and nerves were through the roof. Within two minutes of overtime, junior attacker Brian Llaguri scored the game-winning goal from yet another assist from Kindred. 

Now with a record of 2-1-1 in the preseason plus the regular season, the Warriors look to build on their two consecutive victories with a win at home on September 28 against Blake.