The Shaker Raider Men’s Varsity Soccer team defeated Olmsted Falls at home under the lights Saturday Oct. 23 in their first playoff game this year.

The final score was 1-0 in Shaker’s favor with an early goal by sophomore Johnny Frothingham with 10:00 minutes left in the first half. The game was really physical from beginning to end. This in part made the game very exciting despite the low score.  

Head Coach Scott Lindsay gave his pregame thoughts, “We were obviously confident given the successful regular season we have had, yet humble in the sense we realize in a playoff match nerves and psychology can adversely impact results,” he said. “Not to mention, Olmsted falls is a ranked Cleveland program, with a talented coach and players.”

Prior to the game senior Grant LeMay said, “I feel very excited coming into tonight. We’ve worked very hard and I´m happy we have an opportunity to show that hard work. I am a Senior, this game could be my last ever soccer game.” 

Senior Cataldo Strangi added that the team prepared hard for the game. “We have prepared for this game the entire season and everything has led up to this moment. Luckily we have had two weeks of rest before this game where we were able to better prepare physically, mentally and tactically for this fixture tonight,” he said. 

Fans greatly anticipated Saturday’s game that was played under the lights. Strangi, along with fellow senior Logan Duffet, both thought that playing under the lights would give the team an advantage and bring a lot of energy to the game.  

The Shaker student section was energetic during the game, wearing ski themed attire as a theme which proved beneficial for the weather too. Senior Ari Green who also attended the football game earlier in the day enjoyed the atmosphere of the soccer game. “Walking in last night, and seeing everyone dressed up and eager to cheer on their team was really cool. The ski theme and cold weather were indicative of the season coming to an end, and games becoming more meaningful,” Green said. “It was obvious that the players had a little extra inspiration, and I think both the roar of the student section at every positive moment, as well as the atmosphere created by the addition of lights were also major contributors to that.”

Senior Adam Abdlrasul cheered on the team from the student section. “Between the lights and the energy of the student section, there was no doubt in my mind that the boys wouldn’t pull away without a win. Having experienced night games with the football team, field hockey team, and now the soccer team, many seniors including myself agree that the addition of the lights is one of the best additions in Shaker history,” he said.

This game sets the tone for the rest of the playoffs. “Winning this game is one step to the next. In the playoffs it’s one moment at a time. We’ve learnt our lesson not to think too far ahead,” Lindsay said, “If we stay grounded and in the moment we can be any opponent’s worst nightmare.” 

The Men’s Soccer team lost to Westlake in the district semifinal on Wednesday Oct. 27, ending their season. 

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