After a devastating loss to Eureka in the second round of Districts, the varsity boys soccer season comes to a close.

The boys soccer team went into post season with an overall record of 16-10. It started off shaky, but once the boys got momentum, it was a whole new game for them. They learned to work the ball well and take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Defense really stepped up and the team had 11 shutouts overall.

As the season rolled on, many players stepped up to become leaders and be key players to put them in the same playoff position they were in last year.

The Lancers faced Parkway South in the first round of Districts. Earlier in the season, the boys played the Patriots twice, coming out victorious in both matches with scores of 3-0 and 4-1.

This final match between the teams would end the same way it had the previous two times, Lancers on top 2-0.

Their next round of Districts would be a different story. The boys played Eureka, whom defeated Lafayette earlier in the season 0-5. The Lancers knew what was ahead of them, but refused to go down without a fight. The stands were packed at Parkway South to watch the Lancers and the Wildcats face off. Being major rivals, the intensity of this game was an all-time high. Whoever won this game went on to the final round of Districts.

The ball was in Eureka’s half for most of the game, giving the Lancers multiple scoring opportunities. They controlled most of the game, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

After a scoreless regulation, the game went into overtime and the Lancers felt they had the edge on this game.

With a minute and a half left in overtime, Eureka’s Kyle Haller crossed a ball from the left side which then deflected off of Lafayette’s goalkeeper Brendan Carnahan’s hands into the net.

According to STL High school sports, Lafayette coach Tim Walters said, “We had a game plan and we stuck to it. We made them play our way and we were very unlucky. We had chances. I think they’ll tell you they were very fortunate to get out of here.”

Although it wasn’t the ending the boys had hoped for, it was a season to remember for all of them. Their winning record proved that they were a competitive team throughout the season and a threat going into the post season.