The Steds soccer teams...
The Steds Derby, a match that has Steds two soccer teams, Steds A and Big Cats (Steds B), face off against each other is the highpoint of the collegiate soccer season. This year's Derby was filled with much anticipation and, sadly, delays. First, the pitch was free, and then, it was conflict with a Big Cats' tourney schedule. But in the end, it was all for the best as the weather for the Derby couldn't have been better. The Derby got off to a fast start with Steds A scoring the first goal. But it didn't knock the wind out of the Big Cats sails as they respond in kind. Surprisingly, the match became much like a teeter totter, with the lead going back and forth with beautiful goals scored by Curtis Donovan, Rafa D'Souza, and others. It was an entertaining match to say the least. Finally, with stoppage time being played, the match ended in a draw, four to four. Next, it was time for penalty kicks with each side getting five different players to face off against the goalie. In the end, Big Cats came out on top with a final score of seven to six. On the historic win, Curtis Donovan, freshman and Big Cats MVP, shared, "The litter introduced within the pride this year is not one to be messed with. Losing the seniors is heartbreaking, but their legacy with the big cats will certainly never be forgotten. Some of my favorite days of the year have been on the field with the cats and I am extremely happy we got to run toe to toe with the talented players on the “ A team” (big cat rejects). Being part of The Big Cats team was a great experience this year, especially as a freshmen getting to know some of the older guys better. I can’t wait to continue to make history next year."
On scoring the winning penalty kick, freshmen and Texan, Jake Laufenberg, said, "I’m glad that I was able to finish the season in the most big cats way possible- getting the job done when the pressure is at its highest. We definitely wouldn’t have been in that position without an offensive masterclass from Curtis “Messi” Donovan."
Still, let's not forget the bravest Stedsman out on there the pitch, the referee, Quentin Fairchild. A referee for RecSports and graciously lending his refereeing skills for the Derby, Fairchild shared, "I thought I called it pretty fair today. I was totally impartial to who won, as long as my pockets were heavier by the end of the game."
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... the two captains, Will Dieterich (L) and Michael Lynch (R)...
... Big Cats (Steds B)...
... Steds A team.
... and one fair ref, Quentin!
