“I expect them to score a lot of goals and I expect them to win.” These were the words of the Paint Branch Varsity Boys Soccer coach Shawn Shannon heading into the team’s matchup against Springbrook High School on Wednesday, September 27th.

Coach Shannon’s expectations were partially met as the boys scored only two goals. More importantly, they held the Blue Devils to only one in a 2-1 win. The win was the second in a row for the Panthers who will look to build on this for the rest of the season.

As evening turned to night, chatter, laughter, and voices in the distance surrounded everyone sitting on the bleachers waiting for 7:15 to come, and the teams to take the field.  As the boys ran onto the field getting into their positions, the crowd roared. About 10 minutes into the game, PB’s  Kemonie Jordan, a senior, scored to put the Panthers up 1-0.

As the first half of the game continued, the action was strong, and players took an aggressive approach. This was evident as you could see players getting knocked over. Springbrook had four free kicks in the first half, but all were blocked either by  the players or by PB goalie David Burgess, who made one save even after getting elbowed in the face. Paint Branch, on the other hand, did not get any free kicks in the first but still held the lead 1-0.

As the horn sounded to begin the second half, the boys ran back to the center and got into their positions. Springbrook was on the edge as they tried to score their first goal. Springbrook’s Omar Pena successfully made a goal, giving the Blue Devils some momentum and tying the game at 1-1.  With the tie the game became more intense.

With twenty minutes left in the second half, Paint Branch’s Bradley Muma broke the tie putting his team in the lead. With the goal,  the crowd went wild. Moments after he got a red flag for “pushing” one of the other players, and angrily walked off the field.

Springbrook was anxious to make another goal and tie the game, but their effort fell  short as the clock counted  down to one minute. Excitement raged in the bleachers as fans, on the edge of their seats, counted  down in their heads, and then began to shout when 5 seconds were left on the clock -“5,4,3,2,,1.” Paint Branch wins!

“I felt I did good. It felt good scoring the last winning goal” said Muma.