Maconaquah Schools

Braves’ soccer traveled to Peru for the first of two matchups between the rivals in the coming weeks. The Braves dominated the contest from the start, scoring early and often while controlling possession of the ball throughout the match. The scoring started as Darwin Aguiriano crossed a ball in from the left side as Evan Zeiser crashed into the box, placing a goal in the bottom left corner just three minutes into the game. Peru responded a few minutes later, as Tiger striker Brayson Doyle streaked passed the Braves’ defensive line and snuck one into the goal - tying the match 1-1. The Doyle goal woke the Mac boys up as they put 4 additional goals on the board in the first half: Joe Manuels with a beautiful cross in front of the goalkeeper to an awaiting freshmen Max Berryman who tapped it in, Luis Mendoza’s corner kick that Joel Loshnowsky headed into the goal, Martin Chaires with a pop shot from an improbable angle over the keeper’s head into the top, far corner of the goal (Zeiser assist), and Darwin adding a penalty kick after being taken down inside the box. In the second half, Joe added another penalty kick after being taken out by the goalie to make it 6-1. The final two goals were long balls from senior Joel Loshnowsky to complete his hat trick for the match. The first one glanced off a Tiger defender before finding the goal and the second blazed past all defenders and the goalkeeper, making the score 8-1. Coach Wilhelm said, “Not a lot of people know this…but I graduated from Peru. I’m ALL BRAVES NOW though. Good to get a win against our rivals.” Coach Sparks commented, “I love the rivalry games – I especially love winning rivalry games. I do want to mention the good attitudes and sportsmanship throughout the match even though we were playing our biggest rival, both teams stayed positive which is great to see.” “MVPs of the Match” – Evan Zeiser – first high school career goal! Max Berryman – first high school career goal! Joel Loshnowsky – hat trick while playing one of the center defender positions! The 9-1-1 Braves host an undefeated Tipton Blue Devil squad on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Come out and support your Braves for what is expected to be a very competitive soccer match! Additional note: Tonight’s game was added to the schedule as both teams had other schools cancel games and is recognized as a non-conference match. The Braves and Tigers will play their “TRC” match next Wednesday night, September 30th, at Maconaquah Stadium as the Braves celebrate Senior Night.