In a season like no other in the 202 years of SLUH’s existence, the varsity soccer team finished its 2020 season with a record of 5-6. Starting their season over a month delayed, the Jr. Bills overcame the adversity of the pandemic to string together a handful of resilient performances. After a 4-0 start, SLUH came into October looking like a powerful state contender. But four of the team’s six losses were just a Jr. Bill goal away from being sent into OT, including their heartbreaking loss to Chaminade on Halloween which knocked them out of the State Tournament. 

Even though the Jr. Bills’ season ended earlier than they would have liked, there were still plenty of bright spots during their 11 games. Freshman standout Grant Locker provided an offensive boost to the varsity squad in his first year, scoring four goals. 

“My favorite memory from this season was our game against Vianney where I scored the winning PK,” said Locker.

Against Vianney on Oct. 8, SLUH toppled their first MCC rival of the season. Tied 2-2 through regulation, the game went into two 10-minute overtime periods. Still tied through the two periods, the Jr. Bills’ third game of the season went into PK’s. Junior Stephen Saladin, senior Adam Wolfe, senior Jacob Hammond, junior Evan Yalaharthi, and Locker all converted their shots into goals, and SLUH came out on top 3-2. As they demonstrated in that performance, the Jr. Bills were a force to be reckoned with no matter whom they were playing.  

“We were absolutely able to play with everybody in every game,” said varsity head coach Bob O’Connell. “We were just missing a few of the final pieces.”

With 10 varsity players returning next year, O’Connell is hoping to add to their core group of players with new additions from the underclassmen. 

“Our young players are good players,” said O’Connell. “That’s a good thing. Hopefully the rest of the group, the juniors on the JV will also contribute next year.”

Returning players are also looking forward to next year, one they hope has a sense of normalcy. 

“We had a pretty young team this year, so next year I look forward to seeing many skilled players returning,” said Yalavarthi. “And I hope that we can make it even further in State.”

Photo: Mrs. Kathy Chott