The Taft JV boys soccer team had their first tilt of the season versus Brunswick on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. The fan support was high as was the energy on the pitch. During the first half, Sully Millington made his presence known dribbling out of traffic and connecting with his team mates. For most of the first 20 minutes Taft kept the possession with the efforts of the midfielders Nick Alin-Hvidsten, Joaquin Mañon and Noah Cinel heavily to the home side’s favor. Brunswick did not let up in their efforts and was the first to get on the scoreboard, scoring on their first chance in the 18th minute. Goalie Aiden Chan did not let this get him down and 5 minutes later he made a diving save that helped lift the defense and the whole team. Fresh legs came into the game and service kept getting forward to the strikers, Will Franco, Kartal Tepebasi and Luke Smith. While the chances were there for the taking, the finishing just did not go Taft’s way until Steven Yang was able to tap the ball in during chaos as he jumped on a rebound in the 25th minute. Play was back and forth after that and the score ended knotted at 1-1. In the second half, Taft was able to reestablish their possession. The back line of Connor Walsh, Nero Muang, Andrew Jaroch and Keyon’Dre Clarke started to play together better and sustain better pressure going forward. This group with the help of Joachin Mañon helped snuff out Brunswick efforts to build their attack. About 20 minutes into the second half Noah Cinel was able to find the back of the net to give the Rhinos a lead. 5 minutes later it looked like the Rhinos were going to add to the total with some improved ball movement in the final third of the field and Captain Nixon Jennings looking to set up a well positioned striker who was just unable to finish in that moment. In the 33rd minute, Brunswick was able to equalize the score on some confusion at a corner kick. The home team showed their true colors. Unsatisfied with the prospects of a tie, they came together and continued to fight for the win. Just a few minutes later, Kojo Asmah drew the foul 30 yards out. A confident Kev Gunawan took the spot kick and Kartal Tepebasi was able to head it home for the go ahead goal. This victory was a true team effort and if this group continues to pull together through adversity, they will have a great season. Taft looks forward to hosting Westminster on Wednesday.