Storm Surge Troubles Crusaders

St. Luke's Storm captured their first win of the season with a 3-2 victory over the Crusaders of Fairfield Country Day School.

Our boys, accustomed to the fast pace of the Class of 2015 turf field, took a little time to adjust to the long, slow grass of Fairfield Country Day School. But adapt they did. Aaryaman Mehta '27 opened his account for the season with a confident and well-placed lob over the Fairfield goalkeeper. The goal sparked life in the opponents, who picked up their game and began to push our boys into a more defensive posture. The Storm fought with strong defending by center backs Scooter Seiden ‘27 and Blake Guilfoyle ‘27. As proceedings tightened up, we called on the deep talent of the substitutes. Josh Specter ‘28 sprinted onto the field to make an immediate impact, slotting a goal past Fairfield to put St. Luke’s up 2-0. The Crusaders mounted resources, roared back, and scored their first goal to make it 2-1. As the battle continued between the teams, Aaryaman Mehta again rose to the challenge and put another ball into the back of the onion bag to pull the Storm ahead 3-1. Valiant play and slashing swords of the Crusaders made the score 3-2, but that is as close as they came. Thomas Merrill ‘27, in his first complete game as a goalkeeper, made several key saves to thwart our hosts and claim his first victory.

All the boys saw playing time; this was a true team victory. Special note should nevertheless be made of match co-captain Rayan El Hattab '27, who modeled hard work, commitment, and perseverance throughout the match. 

On Thursday, October 6, the Storm host Unquowa School, of Fairfield, at 3:00 PM on the Class of 2015 Field. The boys hope to continue the journey with another victory. Should that not be the case, they will learn from their experience and return stronger.