Blair and Magruder end in stalemate

SEPT. 22, BLAZER STADIUM—

Emotions were running high on and off the field in tonight's boys' varsity soccer game against Magruder. An uncharacteristically poor performance in the midfield by the Blazers, and an inability to score offensively left it up to the Blazer defense to keep the team in the game. And they did so, just barely, as each team walked off the field at the end of double overtime, tied at 0-0.

Senior goalie Chris Wilhelm had his strongest performance of the season in tonight's game. Multiple instances in the match-up left Wilhelm the lone body between the ball and the goal, and each time he managed to block and deflect with extreme prowess and skill. "Some of the breakaways [Chris] saved were just incredible," Coach Adrian Baez reflected after the game. "He really saved our behinds."

Earlier this week, the Blazers solidly beat Richard Montgomery 4-0, finishing the ball unlike they had previously this season. After that game, Baez praised his team for a job well done, and reminded them to keep up the intensity and offensive power for tonight's match against Magruder. Unfortunately, the team was unable to follow through.

The team took relatively few shots on goal, and the ones they did take were for the most part ill-placed. However, much of the game was spent in the midfield. While senior captain Jack Eisen-Markowitz held down the midfield attack, his strength on the field was not enough to give the Blazers the advantage. Because of his aggressive play, Eisen-Markowitz received a yellow card in the second half after a fairly rough tackle.

While the tie revealed weaknesses in the Blazers' game, Baez looked at the outcome humbly, recognizing the strength of the Magruder team. "Given the opponent, our play makes me want to strive for more; to have gotten that victory. I can't say I'm satisfied, but tomorrow we have practice and we will be working hard," he said.

Blair's next game is on Tuesday, September 28 at Blake at 5:00 pm.