... win for Steds! The much anticipated Steds Derby did not disappoint. Held the last weekend before the Yacht Dance, the Steds soccer teams, Steds A and Big Cats (Steds B), taking the pitch at Ricci Fields, the match saw gentleman against gentleman in what has to be the biggest campus intra-hall rivalry. No doubt, each side was playing for keeps with every possible advantage taken and exploited. Steds A, heavily favored, had a deep bench of talent with Rafa Souza, Steds sophomore, resident Brazilian, at the helm. On the other side, the Pride, Big Cats, was lead by Jonathan Granda Acaro, Steds junior and weekend pickup soccer player. While the Big Cats may not be A team material, what they lacked in technical skills they made up in spirit. Plus, the Big Cats had one more thing going for them. Unable to reserve the pitch, the Steds Derby was actually playing on an open field that had long grass, slowing the game down and helping the Big Cats.
As the game unfolded, the two teams were evenly match in almost every respect, and spectators were treated to a real barnburner of a match. Steds A team pushed, and Big Cats scratched back. The Big Cats pounced, and Steds A side stepped, dodging certain pain and a trip to St. Liam's. It was the proverbial seesaw. Finally, with regular play ending, the Pride was proud, winning the match with a score of six to four. Afterwards, the traditional sharing of jerseys and handshakes were had, and following the formalities of the beautiful game, all had Mission BBQ in the Flounge.
On the Steds Derby, Fr. Ralph shared, “As a member of the original Big Cat team, you're always a Big Cat. But today, A or B, we're all Steds!"
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