On Monday, Sept. 15, the boys Junior Varsity soccer team defeated Mundelein High School in a home match, ending the game with a final score of 7-0. With a secure offensive front, the team ended the game on top and improved their record to 7-1-1.
Stevenson’s offense was unforgiving throughout the game, with striker Sanjay Prazad ’28 scoring an unassisted goal in the first half, and winger Vihan Attri ’27 scoring a penalty kick and an assist in the second. Goalie Matsvei Tupchy ’27 presented strong defense and helped secure the home victory for the Patriots.
The game began with an early offensive effort from the Patriots, with three attempted shots on goal. However, Mundelein failed to put pressure on Stevenson’s offense, leading to a goal scored by Prazad in the first two minutes of the game.
“I worked really hard for this game,” Prazad said. “I was locked in during practices, and a lot more focused during this game because our coach is tough with us.”
Later in the first half, Juan Rojas ’28 scored a direct goal from the right wing, assisted by Attri. To end the first half off, Attri was chosen to have the penalty kick due to a foul play, and gained the Patriots putting another point on the scoreboard, going into halftime with a score of 3-0.
This game was preceded by an away game against Niles West, in which the Patriots had lost 3-2. The game was as a factor that led to the team honing in their focus for this game, according to Attri.
“The following day, when we were training after our loss, I saw our team shooting and practicing finishing for this game,” Attri said.
Starting the second half, midfielder Vitor Natazato ’28 scored a quick goal 12 minutes into the half from the right flank, followed by Jeremy Lei ’27 scoring one four minutes later. As Mundelein’s team attempted to establish a strong defensive effort, the Patriots’ offense firmly pushed forward and gained a second penalty kick, carried out by forward Christian Jasso ’28.
“We want to impose our style of play, be as dominant as possible, and then make adjustments as we see how the other team reacts to us,” head coach Sam Figueroa said. “We had lots of room in the middle where we were able to penetrate more deeply, and the opponent didn’t adapt to that at all.”
The game ended with a score of 7-0, with the last goal being an own goal by Mundelein. As the season progresses, the Patriots aim to hone their technique with their next game against Lake Forest High School on Monday, Sept. 22 at 3:45.
“This game sets our mentality, meaning we have to go forward and keep on scoring goals, just like we did in this game,” Attri said. “We need to bring the score line higher and higher every game.”