Sometimes, the most important games of the season occur before the playoffs even begin. For the JD Boys Soccer team, it took place Saturday during the last game of the season against Cortland. This game was also Senior Day and Pink Out Day.
The soccer team, like many other JD sports teams, raised money for breast cancer awareness for this game. Pink shirts were sold to wear to the game, raising over $10,000.
What could have been a momentous victory headed into the postseason ended as a disappointing tie, seriously dampening their chances at a sectional championship run. With a win, JD would have been propelled to a 2 seed heading into the playoffs. Instead, they placed as the 6 seed, due to a tight race between the top teams. As frustrating as the game was, the heartwarming senior ceremony at halftime kept spirits high.
The Rams started out hot, taking a 2-0 lead within the first quarter. The first goal was scored by senior and captain Jack Carmen. The second scored by junior Tshike David. Early in the second quarter, Cortland scored their first goal, cutting J-D’s lead in half. At the close of the first half, the Rams led 2-1.
At halftime, the soccer squad celebrated Senior Day. Each senior player was recognized. Players’ families came out as they were announced, some smiling, others with tears in their eyes. “This year, it was an unreal feeling knowing that this game was dedicated to me and my senior teammates,” said Jack Carmen. “From posing for the senior pictures to seeing the pictures with our names on giant posters in front of the school to having a large student section cheering us on, it was an amazing day.”
As the second half got underway, the cool afternoon felt a little more frigid, as JD’s offense went cold. In the fourth quarter, Cortland scored the tying goal, evening up the score at 2-2. The offensive struggles continued for JD throughout the rest of the game, preventing them from regaining the lead. After a scoreless double overtime, the game ended in a stalemate.
Since then, the Rams have defeated ESM 1-0 in the first round of playoffs and in their most recent game, beat Whitesboro in an overtime thriller 2-1 to advance to the sectional championship, where they will meet number one seed Fowler on Saturday, November 2nd at 2:00 PM. The game will be played at Liverpool High School.
