Blair boys’ soccer finds their first loss of the season to Einstein Titans

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Blair Blazers (5-1) lost to the Einstein Titans (2-3) in an aggressive game that ended 3-1. Both teams played with intense energy and the Blazers never gave up, even as time was running out. 

Blair started quickly on offense going for shots as soon as the first forty started. After seven minutes junior forward Jose Valladares scored the first shot of the night for the Blazers. Soon, the Titans followed up with their own point, tying the game 1-1. 

The game, even in the early stages, was very aggressive. Many fouls were called and altercations took place, especially on Einsteins' behalf. At around halfway through the first half, Einstein managed to squeeze out another goal and take the lead with a score of 2-1. 

The remainder of the first half was uneventful. The possession went back and forth, and both the Titans and the Blazers left no room for the other to shoot. At the end of the half, the score remained at 2-1 in favor of Einstein. 

Blazer Penalty Kick

Photo: The Einstein Titans line up as Blair takes a penalty kick.

The Einstein Titans line up as Blair takes a penalty kick. Photo courtesy of Josephine Panner and Riana Earle.

The next forty started similarly to the first. Both teams stayed determined to win. Both teams remained quick with their offensive pushes and strategic in their defensive strategy. The game got more and more aggressive as time whittled down, and the Blazers began picking up fouls.

After a throw-in on Blair’s defending side of the field, Einstein managed to head the ball over junior goalkeeper Caleb Johnson, settling the score to 3-1. 

The game became more aggressive as the Blazers became more determined to break through and score. Yellow cards were thrown and frustrations were high as the time ticked down. Johnson made great blocks in the game's final moments, keeping the score locked at 3-1. For the first time this season, the Blair boys’ soccer team lost.

Blair Boys Soccer Yellow Card

Photo: As time ticked down, yellow cards were thrown on all sides.

As time ticked down, yellow cards were thrown on all sides. Photo courtesy of Josephine Panner and Riana Earle.

Despite this, the team is optimistic for the rest of the season. Junior Yoan Pinsonneault describes the determination the team feels after this last game. “We are very hopeful. I think the last game against Einstein was a very eye-opening experience. We got cocky and now this is definitely a wake-up call to stay serious, stay focused, and to keep working hard for the future” he says. 

The Blazer boys will face Walter Johnson next away on Thursday, Sept 28.