Ben Quazzo Co-Editor In Chief Last Tuesday, Latin Boys Varsity Soccer fell at the hands of Walter Payton, 3-2. It was a tough loss, and one that could have definitely been avoided. The team looked as if it had lost its grit and determination, and questions of commitment and drive were tossed around. Luckily, conference play had yet to start, so there was still time for the team to get back their energy. Before Thursday’s game against Morgan Park Academy, the senior captains called a player-only meeting. The boys discussed their goals for the team, and they all realized that everyone was on common ground. They all want to win the ISL conference title, they all want to win Regionals, and they all want to qualify for the IHSA State Tournament. The only thing separating them from these goals was inspiration. So when the boys took the field on Thursday against MPA, they played inspired soccer. Even though MPA wasn’t a strong opponent, it was clear that the Romans were playing soccer in a way they had not played the entire season. Senior Alex Dago got the scoring started in the first few minutes with a goal. Shortly after, sophomore Paul Favia added another one. Senior goalkeeper Theo Atkinson made a few stellar saves to keep MPA scoreless heading into halftime. In the second half, the Romans intensity and passion didn’t subside. Senior Ben Quazzo headed in the third goal off a beautiful cross from sophomore Ian Spear. Dago got his second of the day on a solid left-footed strike. As time winded down, it looked as if the Romans would take a 4-0 victory. But senior Spencer Walken refused to slow-down, and after a solid pass from junior Alex Pascale, Walken buried the fifth and final goal for the Romans. Hopefully, this revitalized team can keep the momentum going as they face North Shore Country Day away this Tuesday in another ISL conference game. To see more photos of the team, click [caption id="attachment_798" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Senior Spencer Walken getting warmed-up before the game."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_799" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Junior Jacob Pritikin gets loose before the game."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_800" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Sophomore Ian Spear moves his feet before game-time."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_801" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Sophomore Paul Favia gets ready to trap a ball during warm-up."][/caption]]]>