by Jack Link ‘23

Senior Defender Sean Parker(3) defends the ball at the Boys Soccer Varsity game against Springbrook.  Photo Taken by Maddie Tringone ’22

Like the girls team, boys soccer began the season with tough games against powerhouses Good Counsel, B-CC, and Whitman. In those three games, the team went 1-1-1 and there were promising signs that the Warriors would have a strong season that propelled them into the playoffs. Unfortunately, inconsistency and misfortune caught up with the team, and they finished the regular season with a four-game losing streak that left them with a 5-6-1 record.

Despite the obstacles, the Warriors played with determination and commitment in their first-round playoff game against Northwood, who they had previously beaten 1-0 on October 6. However, Northwood has a history of knocking Sherwood out of the playoffs. Sherwood started strong with two goals from junior Sean Lopes. As the half ended heads were held high and confidence was soaring. Focus was what the team lacked, however, because Northwood came back within seven minutes of the second half, tying the game 2-2. The score didn’t change the rest of the game, even though Sherwood suffered a loss of a player from a red card. Down a player, the Warriors held off Northwood and forced the game to penalty kicks where Northwood prevailed.

“We fought hard during the game, starting with a 2-0 lead,” recounted senior defender Muktar Idris, who stated that Northwood’s two goals were not due to “a lack of effort.” As for the losses at the end of the season, “it was a mix of both unlucky breaks and the team’s performance falling off, but more so unlucky breaks like the Magruder and Blair games,” said Idris. 

A playoff loss on penalty kicks is a heartbreaking way for a season to come to an end, but every player made some pretty great memories, including senior defender George Karadimov. “ I truly enjoyed the time I spent with the team afterschool, and cherish the moments in which we enjoyed the beautiful game together,” said Karadimov.