By FABRIZIO GOWDY | DEC. 6, 2019 | SPORTS

The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity boys soccer squad suffered its first defeat of the season at the hands of a nationally ranked Mandarin High School team in a 1-0 home game Thursday night.

"It was a great game, I just wish we were on the other side of it," said head Coach Steve Stone.

The game had an unusually tense atmosphere, as a sizable home crowd braved the cold December air to support the Blue Devils. As the game wore on, fans, especially the student section, heckled the visiting Mustangs, drawing reactions from visibly angry Mandarin players.

"The fans showed up. Nobody comes into Mocrief and gets an easy win," said senior midfielder Daniel Poorian.

The first half featured an offensive onslaught from Mandarin, forcing senior Stanton goalkeeper Andrew Zalewa to make four first half saves. Defensive backs such as juniors Ethan Allesch, Chris Russel, Ryan Dreibelbis, and sophomore Kristen Fischer were instrumental in keeping the game scoreless for much of the first half.

Mandarin struck first in the 38th minute when senior Adel Iriskic scored on a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box. Zalewa could only watch helplessly as the perfectly placed shot sailed into the upper right corner of the goal.

“He hit a great shot. That was gorgeous, but he should have never had the shot," said Coach Stone, who insisted the foul that led to the free kick was incorrectly called.

Stanton nearly answered one minute later when junior midfielder Miles Andre's shot bounced off the left post in the 40th minute.

Both teams had a number of second half scoring opportunities, leading to the two goalkeepers registering a combined 16 saves. A shot from junior striker Brandon Diaz missed the goal by a foot in the opening minute of the second half. Mandarin would have scored moments later, if not for an outstretched Zalewa making a terrific save on another well placed shot.

“They’re a good side, no doubt about it. We played with them every step of the way,” said Coach Stone.

The game became increasingly chippy in the final minutes, with four yellow cards being issued as Stanton desperately tried to score an equalizing goal and Mandarin clung to its lead. Stanton had a few opportunities as the clock ran down, including a key free kick in the 72nd minute, but the Mustang defense held.

“We played a good game. They only had one opportunity and they got lucky. We got unlucky and didn’t score,” said Alesch.

Mandarin, who is ranked sixth in the country and second in the state by MaxPreps, is now 7-0-1 on the year. Stanton drops to 5-1-1, and moves on to face Middleburg High School on Dec. 10.

Stanton Defeated By Mandarin

By FABRIZIO GOWDY | DEC. 6, 2019 | SPORTS