East’s Varsity Boys Soccer team placed second overall in the STC Invitational that ran from Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 2023. Jake Walker(5) and Garrett Melton(22) received the All-Tournament Team recognition, and Jordan Rolon(85) was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament and received the Golden Glove.
The Saints won the first game against Wheaton Academy 1-0, the second game against Metea Valley 2-1 and the semi-finals against Maine South 1-0. With another non-conference win against Bartlett on Aug. 22, the Saints had remained “4-0 undefeated” as Mackenzie Loomis, a Saints Varsity Girls Soccer player, said.
During the tournament, the team faced various challenges: Marc Walker, one of the captains(3), was concussed during the semi-finals, Omar Ontiveros(11) was tackled 21 minutes into the finals and Logan Lewarchick, captain(7), was injured from stress fractures on foot. “Logan’s itching to get back and Marc got hit,” said Giuseppe Avendano(10). He added before the championship that, “With Marc and Logan gone, we just have to play better.”
Ontiveros’ father noted, “[The players] have a connection and they’re all friends,” adding that they have “a lot of discipline.” Avendano’s mother also praised the semi-finalists: “They are connecting more.”
When asked about the expectations of the championship, Avendano said, “Our streak is going better and better, and they want to beat us especially because we went to Europe.”
The championship became brutal when 4 minutes into the first quarter, Northstar Ashton Goettel(4) was tackled, followed by Ontiveros 21 minutes into the first quarter of the game. “East is dominating… [East has] good defense.” Goettel’s father said. Northstar Ashton Goettel(4) and Alex Curtis(1) in the middle of a tackle. Photo by Lauren Voigt
“It is a tight game” commented Northstar Diego Torres(12)’ father, “their style play is very similar so it is a struggle in the midfield.” Saints Griffin Counts(4)’ family mentioned, “[The teams] are competitive… but most [players of both teams] play club together so it is hard to not cheer for the other side as well.”
Marc Walker said, “The last few minutes of the championship were a roller coaster of emotions because [of] how fast the tide of the game changed, but I was obviously disappointed, but excited for Tri-City night.”
Alli Saviano, a Saints Varsity Girls Soccer player, said the team is “creating a lot of opportunities.” Counts added, “We’ve been waiting for this for three years… we are hungry for state.”
The players put in tremendous effort in their game like Loomis applauded: “I’m proud of [the team]… they pulled [it] off.”
