The CHS Boys Soccer team was upset by B-CC in the Sectional Finals Nov. 3 in a gritty 2-0 match.

During the regular season, the Bulldogs beat B-CC 2-1 after getting off to a fast start with two early goals. In the sectional finals, the script was flipped as the Barons converted an early corner kick into a 1-0 lead just minutes into the match.

The Bulldogs’ attackers showed promise late in the first half as midfielders Darius Siahpoosh, Dylan Strother, and Aria Ahadpour generated some great chances. Siahpoosh was denied a goal as the B-CC goalkeeper parried his low, close-range shot in the box. Another effort by Siahpoosh sailed inches too close to the center of the goal, where it was handled by the goalkeeper near the left post.

In the second half, the B-CC defenders made adjustments and disrupted nearly all of CHS’ crosses in front of goal. Churchill earned a free kick from an opportunistic position with about 20 minutes remaining, but the attempt flew unsuccessfully over the crossbar and B-CC retained the lead.

Sometimes, a good offense is the best defense. In the closing minutes, B-CC executed this principle to a tee. Despite repeated goal-saving tackles and key aerial clears by senior Alok Kothari, B-CC was persistent in their attack as the clock bled out. After a few desperation saves by Bulldogs senior goalkeeper Joel Assal, a rebound eventually found the boot of a B-CC attacker and the fate of the game was sealed when the Barons surged ahead 2-0 with under 12 minutes to play.  

B-CC punched their ticket to the regional finals, while Churchill was left stunned and disappointed. Despite the relatively equal number of chances for each team, the Bulldogs couldn’t solve B-CC’s inspired defensive effort and were eliminated from the playoffs.