Journalism Guild Writer
The loud boom of soccer balls being propelled through the air filled the Lower Yard with the return of the “Outsiders” team for game three against the San Quentin Earthquakes team, who achieved a narrow 5–4 victory over the visitors.
“I know the Outsiders haven’t won one game yet, so I know they’re gonna be on fire. They’re hungry for a win, so they’re gonna give us hell today,” said Kolby Southwood, the Quakes’ forward, as the scrimmage was about to get underway.
From the beginning of the season, the Outsiders have been looking to win a game against the home team so everyone expected they would come in seeing red, ready to win. They certainly put up a valiant effort, but in the end, the home team remained on top.
This match was different from those previous as only eight outside soccer players, plus the coach, were able to make it in to play. The men that did though, were ready to play.
According to Outsiders’ goalie, Baendan, the team’s only objective was to play better this time around. “In this game, my aim is to not let one ball get to the goal,” he said.
Outsiders’ Coach Andrew said it was good being back and seeing how strong SQ’s soccer program has become. Noting the change, he said, “The team was strong; now the team is a machine under the new leadership. You immediately see the changes he [SQ Earthquakes’ Captain Luna] has made.”
The Quakes’ kicked off game with speed, not letting the visitors outhustle them. Within the first five minutes of the game, “Lino Lora” of the Quakes’ scored first.
In response, the Outsiders dialed up the pressure and drove the ball hard into the Earthquakes’ side of the field. After some quick footwork, the outsiders coach Dario took the ball and shot it towards the Quake’s goal, hitting the goalposts instead for a miss.
Ten minutes into the first half, the Earthquakes picked up steam again, running the ball through the defense of the Outsiders. Lee from the Earthquakes masterfully placekicked the ball into the net, bringing the score to 2–0.
Five minutes from halftime, the Outsiders’ team leader, Dario, stopped a strong volley from Luna and passed it to Demetry an Earthquakes playing for the Outsiders, who scored the Outsiders first goal to bring the score to 2–1.
With ten minutes elapsed into the second half, Dario attempted another shot at the goal, but it went wide.
The Quakes seized control of the ball and passed quickly to Luna, who skillfully danced the ball and blasted it into the net.
The Quakes dominated ball movement on the Outsiders for the rest of the game, scoring more goals along the way. Even so, the Outsiders were determined to score again. Their player Jose scored the team’s second goal from the right field with a shot that went past a Quake defender and landed in net. “Goal!” shouted the sidelines.
That goal sparked momentum for the visitors and a couple of quick goals were scored only two minutes apart by the Outsiders, including Dario’s first goal of the game. This brought the score to 5–4.
As the clock was counting down, the Outsiders attacked with desperation. The Quakes felt the pressure but responded with fierce defense, kicking wildly and playing loud as both teams sped up their pace on the field.
The five minutes of added time at the end of the game gave both teams a chance to catch their breath and reset for the final push. Down to the wire, the Quakes shot one last blast. It was declared a miss and the game was officially over. The final score remained 5–4 for the Quakes.
Earthquake Captain Luna told the Outsiders team, “Thank you guys for coming. Always look forward to it. You guys made me bust my [explicit] today. I hope to see you guys more often.”
—David Arias and
Aristeo Sampablo
contributed to this story
