After a devastating loss, the Boys Soccer season comes to an end. Despite the unreached dream of bringing home a state championship, the Kits had a memorable season, including the victory over long-time rival, New Trier. Ending the season with a record of 17-2-3, the Kits added their second loss to Lane Tech in the Sectional-Semi Finals.
The match started off shaky, as Lane Tech tested senior goalkeeper Charlie Dillman, but the Kits managed to get the first score. Senior Joseph Sargent blew down the side and struck the ball to the side-netting of the goal off of a well-placed assist by senior John O’Carroll. The Kits controlled the game entering the second half with a score of 1-0. Thirty minutes went by as the Kits successfully defended the lead until a Land Tech player was left unmarked at the top of the box able to fire a shot right to the back of the net. The Kits were clearly shaken.
“Heading into the playoffs, we have to play with confidence,” senior captain Orlando Tobin said after the Maine East match.
Unfortunately, confidence was lost and control slipped through Evanston’s hands after Lane Tech’s goal. Only a minute after, the Kits backline was broken, leaving Dillman alone with an opposing attacker. Lane Tech capitalized on this moment and took the lead. 9 minutes on the scoreboard quickly became 1, and the score remained 2-1. With 56 seconds remaining, Lane Tech deflected a ball over the end line, giving the Kits one last corner kick. The ball flew in the air, over the top three Evanston jerseys, returning to the ground where it most likely would be cleared, except Sargent charged to the ball, striking it firmly with his foot. The goalkeeper was left with no chance of saving this goal, and the ball hit the back of the net. Evanston tied up the match with under a minute left, forcing overtime.
The first half of overtime remained tied, as both teams battled for the lead. The second half of overtime began and the Kits were tired but still fighting. The defense stayed composed as the offense desperately tried to get one more goal. With 5 minutes remaining, an attacker for Lane Tech from outside of the box, fired an absurd shot that had just enough on it, to be impossible for goalkeeper Dillman to save. The Kits went down a goal and grew into a state of panic. Soon after, the last whistle was blown and their season ended.
“The season brought us all together and made us brothers. I had higher expectations for the group but I’m still proud of what we were able to accomplish on and off the field” senior captain Johnny Hunwick said reflecting on the season.
The 2024 Evanston Boys soccer team was able to accomplish many achievements finishing with a record of 17-2-3. The team brought home a Regional Championship as well as finishing first in Conference. A total of 75 goals were scored yet the Kits only allowed 13 the whole season.
A highlight of the season for the Kits was the defeat of long-time rival New Trier. Senior captain George Lewis secured the only goal of the game, pounding the ball from far outside the box. Because of this win, the Kits were able to bring home the Fire Hydrant, an object that has long represented this rivalry. After this victory, the Kits’ hope of going far into playoffs was raised.
“We are working towards winning the state championship every day,” Lewis said after the New Trier match.
Evanston continued the effort, beating Stevenson, tying Niles North, and destroying Round Lake in a (7-0) game. The Kits moved towards the playoffs with confidence and composure. Evanston hosted Regionals, defeating Maine East and later, Niles North. These would be their last wins of the season, as the team was extremely disappointed with the outcome of Lane Tech. Only 5 players will return for the following season.
“I thought it was a great season, we really developed a lot of chemistry, and going into next season we need to work on building that and being consistent,” junior defender Maxwell Gentry said.
Gentry and four other juniors will lead the new team as 18 seniors are graduating. Despite the seniors being gone, head coach Franz Calixte is no stranger to new rosters, and the expectation of being a winning team will remain the same.
