This past week, Oakton varsity and junior boys faced off against their rivals, Chantilly High School.  The varsity team has gotten off to a hot start and was 5-0-1 heading into this game. On the other hand, the junior varsity team was struggling to find their form. Either way, these teams were both poised to defeat their rivals.

The JV team immediately got off to a great start; the team was energized and dominated possession. Sophomore attackers Yongbin Lee and Teddy Stathopoulos were pressing Chantilly’s defense from the start and creating clear goal scoring chances. The Cougars were attacking but could not break through until they finally did in the 20th minute when Saryal Saeed scored a goal to put them up 1-0. Unfortunately, Chantilly responded and netted themselves a goal just before halftime. In the second half, Oakton came out strong and Lee had many chances and was pressuring the defense. Then Chantilly forced a turnover and then conceded. That ended up being the game winner for Chantilly and the game ended 2-1. 

Up next was the varsity game, Oakton’s team is filled with young talent and that showed in the starting line-up. Unfortunately, Chantilly broke through first and scored. The game began to even out until Coach Todd Spitalny made a substitution mad brought on sophomore attacker Nick Berten. Berten instantly energized Oakton’s play and after 10 minutes, he assisted a goal scored by senior Chris Villota. Halftime passed and the play began to even out; then Coach Spaltany changed the formation and moved Berten out to the wing. He then began to speed up play for Oakton and put them back on the attack. With 10 minutes to go, the Cougars won a corner. Sophomore Carson Khadka whipped in a cross to Nick Berten and he scored the winning goal. Oakton held on and secured the 2-1 win. The Cougars now have two important district games upcoming. These games have the possibility the secure the district for Oakton.