The Berkshire Junior Varsity boys traveled to Northampton today for what was going to be a peculiar match. The Bears took control of the field early, passing the ball gracefully and creating numerous opportunities, containing any attempt by Williston to overcome our defenses. The lines were disciplined, and the effort to hold possession of the ball was unwavering. We played beautiful soccer for about 15 minutes and then, as if somebody had suddenly cast a spell over the team, everything fell apart. A harmless ball appeared between three of our defenders and goalie and, while they were watching, an opponent came through, took the ball and scored, just like that. This unexplainable tragedy turned a promising afternoon into a nightmare where Berkshire could not remember how to play the beautiful game. Only one bright moment of inspiration gave us some hope before the end of the first half; Matthis Wieczorek ’14 sent a beautiful high ball to Santiago Lens Lopera ’12 who trapped it with skill and sent it in the back of the net.

The second half began, and the Bears could not find their way on the field. Frustration made matters worse, but we still managed somehow to prevent the increasingly menacing Williston team from scoring. On the side line we were just relieved when the referee called the end of a game.