On Saturday, October 22, 2016 one of the best Nazareth Soccer teams Nazareth has ever had, ended their season losing 2-0 to Chicago Bulls Academy in the IHSA Regional Championship.

The Roadrunners played a great game and seemed to have control of the game the whole 80 minutes, dominating the game and keeping the ball on their half most of the game. The Roadrunners had numerous chances to score but couldn’t make the most of it. Chicago Bulls Academy made the most of their few chances with both goals coming in the first half.

Nazareth was the favorite to win the game but on Saturday, it just wasn’t happening. When asked how he felt going into the game Sophomore John Garcia stated that “I was pretty nervous, but obviously can’t show it. But all I could do is try and focus on my game and spill my heart out on that field.”

Sophomore Liam Boyle stated “I thought we were pretty confident, we had a good team. The best that Naz has ever had.” Both players played great games, but it just wasn’t enough against a very strong Chicago Bulls team that came to play.

There were several moments in the game that could have easily switched the tides and could have given the Roadrunners momentum, but the Roadrunners didn’t make the most of their chances and made mistakes that the whole team thought had been fixed early in the season.

It’s never fun losing but this is what Garcia and Boyle had to say about how they felt after the game.  Boyle said, “After the game I was sad. It was a fun season filled with hard work. It was the last game I would play with my brother, and I’m just optimistic for next year.”

Garcia stated, “For me it was very sad, seeing all those people like Jack Herbst cry. It was really emotional.”

Having the best season in school history, followed by an early exit in the playoffs, is obviously going to leave many players feeling emotional and disappointed with themselves.

But there’s always next year.

Things happen for a reason and this is not the last you will be hearing of the Nazareth soccer team.

Liam Boyle explains how he will prepare for next year: “I’m gonna hit the weights hard, train through winter, keep training in spring, and come in to summer league determined and ready to play.”

John Garcia will be preparing for next year by doing lots of weight training and training outside of school.

The Roadrunners are very determined next year and when asked for a prediction on next year’s team, Junior Ty Guinn said “We are gonna be decent next year.” So although their season may have ended early, there is no doubt that it was a great season filled with lots of fun and success and the team can’t wait for next year. Thanks for a great season Roadrunners!