The tension is tight, the score is close, and the game isn’t over yet. On Tuesday Feb. 24, McNeil’s JV A boys soccer team brought home an exciting win against last year’s state champions, Vandegrift, with a score of 4-3.
After a back and forth game and an aggressive defense from both sides, it was all about who was hungrier for the win. With a tied game up to the last few minutes of the second half, it looked promising that there was going to be an overtime. Until, forward/winger junior Aymane El Anssari scored the game winning goal for JV A.
“I knew that I wanted to win really badly, so I told myself that I was gonna give it my all no matter what until the end.” Said El Anssari. “My teammate Julian Davis lined up to take it. I was getting ready for him to shoot and for me to be there for the rebound. The whistle blows and he kicks the ball. I make my run and I see a defender attempt to head the ball out. He messes up and it sends the ball right towards me at an awkward angle. I knew I couldn’t let it bounce and I couldn’t use my head. So I had to shoot it while it was still in the air. I made contact and I popped it in [the goal] and immediately ran to the corner to celebrate.”
As the lights flashed and the team celebrated, a possible victory just within reach felt glorious.
“[I felt] amazing, the sudden surge of adrenaline is unmatched once you score a game-winner. I was tired before the shot but as soon as it went in I had the energy to sprint to the corner [to celebrate with the rest of the team].” Said El Anssari.
Beating a state champion isn’t easy and calls for a lot of preparedness for a successful match. Individually and team-wise, having a determined mindset and persevering effort make all the difference.
“Before this game, I used to always stress about my playing time and my effort. But going into this one I just wanted to have fun and give it my all. I feel like that is what helped me and put me in the position to score.” Said El Annsari.
This mindset allowed El Annsari and the team to play unfettered, even despite facing adversity early on in the match.
“I feel like it shows that we [as a team] will never give up even when we are down or tied. It was a very close game and we were tied up until the end [before] I scored.”
When the final whistle blew, for a moment, time stood still. The underdogs rising above defeating the state champions was no longer a dream, but now a reality. The scoreboard lit up the home four to the visitors three confirming the win for McNeil. As the players hugged and shouted with excitement with a win behind their backs, the journey came full circle showing that working hard, believing in each other, and having passion for the sport can accomplish anything. Now, McNeil Boys Soccer JV A are champions of their own story.
