On Friday, Jan. 17, a heated soccer game between the Horizon Honors Varsity Eagles and the Gilbert Classical Academy Spartans took place, resulting in a winning score of 3-2. In the first five minutes of the game, Gilbert Classical scored a goal, which appeared a bad omen for the rest of the game. The Eagles appeared outmatched just moments into the game. Horizon Honors bounced back quickly after the hit, however, with almost complete possession of the ball throughout the first half. But when a call by the referee sent sophomore goalkeeper Finnur Vidarsson out of the game for talking back, the Gilbert Spartans got another chance to score, resulting in a 2-0 lead. The rest of the half resulted in running up and down the field, but time ran out before any team could score another point.

The second half began with Horizon Honors eager to take back the win. After many attempted shots, senior Kieran Andrew added a goal to the Horizon Honors scoreboard. Horizon Honors continued to keep possession again throughout the entire second half. And then, Vidarsson was sent back on the field. He scored, tying up the game at 2-2. The Eagles were determined to win this game. In the last 10 minutes, sophomore Noah Molinar scored, allowing Horizon Honors to take the lead and finish the game with a final score of 3-2.

Horizon Honors’ head coach, Bobby Smith, said that his team kept strong throughout the game. Because being down by two goals with one half to go can be incredibly discouraging, Horizon Honors continuing to play hard showed a lot of heart and devotion to their sport and teammates, which led them to a strong victory.