On Thursday, November 5, at Gay Field the noise coming from the Westminster side of the stands was overwhelming. For the first time in Westminster history boys’ varsity soccer had won the district championship.
With a regular season record of 13-4-2, the Wildcats were confident about their first district game. However, due to Vashon High School and Central Visual Performing Arts High School both forfeiting their game against each other, the Wildcats were left with no team to play for the first round of districts, leaving them with an automatic first win.
In the second district game on Tuesday, November 3, the boys had tough competition against Priory. Less than 3 minutes into the game, Priory scored, leaving the Wildcats down by one. With 28:40 left in the first half, Connor Hunsicker, senior captain, tied the game with a point-blank shot making the score 1-1. Going into halftime, the score remained tied.
The second half was a fight on both ends, and both teams were unable score, leading into overtime.
“The game was up in the air, but I knew we could have it,” said Matt Hudnut, senior captain.
After a motivating talk from Coach Legters, the boys went into overtime with more passion and determination than they had before.
The Cats controlled the game during the 15-minute overtime period. Jacob Appelbaum, junior, took a shot, but the shot was blocked. Hunsicker rebounded the ball and headed it in, winning the game for the Cats.
“We lived to play another day was the first thought in my head. Then I ran like a crazy man because I didn’t know what to do I was so happy,” said Hunsicker.
On Thursday, November 5, the stands were once again overflowing with the Blue Crew. Although much anticipation was felt going in to the game against Clayton, the Cats dominated, winning the game 4-0.
Although the scoreboard remained empty the whole first half, within the first minute of the second half, Hunsicker scored the first goal of the game with an assist from Hudnut. Less than two minutes later Hunsicker scored again with an assist from Jake Grimes, senior. The Cats were far from done. In the 68th minute of the game, Hudnut took the ball all the way down the field, and found Grimes who fired a shot to the far post. The goalie saved that shot, however with Hunsicker present for the rebound, there was no hope, he scored with a hat trick making it a 3-0 lead.
“They were the easiest goals I’ve ever scored because all the work was done for me by Jake and Hud and the rest of my teammates,” said Hunsicker.
Late in the game Hudnut fought his way down the field, beat his defender and scored, making the final score 4-0.
“I just wanted to win. It’s our year and nothing should stop us, “said Hudnut.
With the district championship under their belt, they have two more games to win before they make their way to state.
“I know we will keep playing with the same passion and intensity, which will bring us success. No other team wants it as bad as us, and that’s the truth,” said Hunsicker.