The soccer team battled Catholic High School to a 2-2 draw in a hard-fought soccer match last weekend. Catholic High School took the lead early on, capitalizing on a quick throw-in that caught the Blue Jays off guard. Jesuit’s defense then buckled down, displaying remarkable resolve to keep the scoreline to a narrow 1-0 as the first half concluded.

The second half saw strategic changes from the Jays, with a few lineup and tactical adjustments. These changes proved fruitful roughly 15 minutes in, as senior Jack Kessels rose to meet junior Bryce Barrere’s precise cross, directing the ball into the net with a commanding header to level the match at 1-1.

Catholic High, however, was quick to react, regaining the lead 20 minutes into the half. As the match neared its end, Jesuit launched a crucial attack that led to a hasty challenge by Catholic’s defense within the penalty area.

The referee promptly awarded a penalty kick. Sophomore Gavin Liantonio stepped up and confidently placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a goal for the Blue Jays and tying the game once more.

The final whistle blew soon after, cementing the 2-2 score.

Throughout the match, other Blue Jays including junior Greyson Savoie and junior Quinn Grandbouche were pivotal with Savoie providing an incisive pass for Grandbouche, who skillfully evaded the Catholic defenders to earn the game-deciding penalty.

In Thursday’s match against Newman, Jesuit maintained dominant control with 70% possession and prevented any shots on goal throughout the game. The Newman goalkeeper delivered an exceptional performance, making 12 saves and effectively intercepting numerous crosses into the penalty area.

The stalemate was finally broken in the 23rd minute when Jack Kessels penetrated the defense. Although the goalkeeper executed a remarkable one-on-one save to his left, he could only parry the ball to senior Nick Danna, whose immediate effort was met with another extraordinary save, deflecting the ball onto the crossbar. Alert and ready, junior Graham Hemel capitalized on the opportunity, heading the ball into the net to give Jesuit the win 1-0.

The Blue Jays head back to the pitch this Saturday, January 20 for a District 9-5A contest against Bonnabel at Joe Yenni Stadium for 11 a.m.