Boys’ Varsity Soccer
Mustangs’ Fine Season Ends with
2-0 Loss to Stonewall Jackson

By: Kris McMahon (June 3, 2006)

The boys’ soccer team suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to Stonewall Jackson, ending its season that started off so promisingly. It was elimination time for the Mustangs; a win would send them through to the next round and a loss would end a hard-fought season in which the team earned the regular season championship.

The boys came out determined, winning tackles and creating good chances in the attacking third of the field. The first sight of goal came in the tenth minute of play when senior forward David Slot received a through ball between two defenders, but shot just wide of the far post. The Mustangs continued to control the ball in the Generals’ half of the field. Another good chance came when first-team all-district defender Mike Chaves struck a beautiful free kick, which first-team all-district striker Kris McMahon unfortunately headed over the cross bar.

The Generals rarely challenged the Mustangs’ goalkeeper Eric Casteuble, their best chance came when the Generals’ center forward was on a fast break which Casteuble made a great save on to keep the score 0-0. Time and time again the Mustangs looked capable of scoring but were unable to find the back of the net.

The second half started out much like the first; the Mustangs had more possessions and still looked the stronger side. With the Mustangs still unable to capitalize on chances, the Generals took advantage. With only about 15 minutes left to play, a poorly-missed header bounced inside the Mustangs’ box, and a Generals’ player was able to just tap the ball past the Mustangs’ rushing keeper. Now with only a few minutes left the Mustangs began to play with desperation. Sending multiple players forward, the Mustangs were able to win a couple of controversial free kicks just outside the 18-yard box. Now with dying minutes and almost every player playing in the attacking third, the Mustangs were caught off guard. On a counter attack the Generals’ center forward had a fast break and this time managed to score with a low shot in the left hand corner of the goal. The Mustangs out-shot the Generals 23-12, but the game ended 2-0, in favor of Stonewall Jackson.