Saturday, October 26th the boys soccer team demonstrated their superiority on the soccer field once again. They have experienced a season of ups and downs that has motivated them to strive for victory, no matter which team they were playing. On Saturday, the widely publicized Sectional Game, a battle ensued between our Falcons and the Shaker Bisons.

The boys have had a season with nine wins, three losses and two ties and were ready to defend their title. The game took place on a cold, brisk night but the roaring crowd of students, faculty and staff and parents that filled the stand took that feeling away. The varsity boy’s soccer team has proven to be a source of unity for Albany High. A sophomore who wishes to remain anonymous states “It was cold, but worth it.”

The first half of the game was filled with anticipation. The crowd watched as the ball moved from one end of the field to another, really anyone’s game. At one point, Shaker had “scored”, but it was revoked on the call of offsides. Then the moment came. Sahki Ghulam scored a header, after the falcons got possession on a corner kick. The crowd went wild. Of course, the Shaker boys were upset with the goal, and there was a brief intermission as they argued for it to be rescinded. The captain of their team became persistent that the referees had to penalize him, and he was prohibited from playing in the game for a short period of time.

After these hasty events, another goal was scored by Harrison Leon on another corner. The scored for Albany was now 2-0.

However, Shaker was able to come back from their loss and scored two goals on the Falcons. But, we prevailed. The final goal was scored by Hser Nay Wah, helped by Isaiah Washington. The shot was bottom right corner and it was achieved off a bad touch from a defender on the Shaker Team.

The crowd exacerbated passion and optimism for the boys, as we began to sing “Goodbye”, notably recognized from the sports film “Remember the Titans”. The final word of the chorus was sung by The Nest, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey, hey, hey GOODBYE”as the Shaker Varsity team walked in shame with the sound of the buzzer signaling they had lost the game.

The final score was 3-2 with 12 saves from the beloved goalkeeper, Daniel Polydore. He said: “We played hard and tough, and we proved we we’re the better team.” The boys certainly proved it!

The next boys sectional game will be held at Lasalle High School in a Halloween showdown vs. Shen at 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 31. Anyone who wants to come and support them are welcomed!!!!