After being down a player midway through the game on September 17, senior Nick Riley said it was more difficult to play without a full lineup.

“That was definitely our most challenging game of the season,” Riley said. “We got an early red card, so we were playing down a man the whole game, which was tough.”

Sophomore Danny Lainsbury said the team competed at a very high level and overcame obstacles.

“Today was just professional work,” Lainsbury said. “We were down one player for 60 minutes, all the boys showed heart and played to the last minute.”

According to head coach Anson Opara, the overall attitude of the team was extraordinary and the team showed a lot of determination.

“They played really well today. I was really impressed,” Opara said. “Just the character of the team tonight, playing a man down, it was just the heart and fighting spirit.”

Riley said although this game was not the best, the team pulled through and got the win anyway. 

“We didn’t play the prettiest game, but we got the job done,” Riley said.

According to Lainsbury, the team perceives they will have a successful season, resulting in an opportunity to play in the state tournament. 

“Everyone on our team believes we’re the best team in the state,” Lainsbury said. “I know we are.”

According to Riley, he was pleased with the overall game and the fact that everyone did their part. 

“We showed a lot of character and I’m pretty happy with how we played,” Riley said. “Our defense was amazing and just our fight in our heart was really good.”

The boys’ soccer team will take on Bloomington Jefferson 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Oriole Stadium.