On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the JV Orange men’s soccer team played against the McNeil Mavericks at the Warrior Bowl, ending the game in a 3-1 win. The Warriors played hard against the Mavericks, constantly applying pressure, working together and not allowing gaps in their defense.

The Warriors started the first half attempting to advance on the Mavericks but were pushed back, keeping both teams in a stalemate at midfield. However, the Warriors broke through, and Westwood attempted their first goal, just a few minutes into the game. Even though the ball was saved, the Warriors continued to play in McNeil’s half, and stayed on the offensive. Finally, Aidan Shen ‘26 was able to make a breakaway and crossed the ball into the goal, scoring the first point of the game. Energized, the Warriors played aggressively after restarting play, with Hunter Brown ‘26 defending the ball from reaching Westwood’s goal. Both sides continued taking shots, with McNeil playing catch up, and the Warriors attempting to extend their lead. However, in the final 35 seconds of the first half, the Mavericks scored, closing the gap and ending the first half in a 1-1 tie.

“I was furious after the first goal,” Shen said. “It was preventable and it was also the last minute of the half. We all agreed that we had to come in stronger [in] the second half.”

Quick to score in the second half, Valentin Lobos ‘26 was able to give Westwood a 2-1 lead, lowering the pressure to score. Throughout the second half, players mostly worked to keep their lead and not let their guards down. Using consistent footwork, players were able to maneuver the ball around the Mavericks, allowing them to capture possession of the ball for extended periods of time. The game remained a defensive battle until the Warriors found another opening, pushing players up to play in the Mavericks half. Liam Clark ‘25 scored, walking the ball into the net when the Maverick goalie was caught outside of the box. This solidified the Warrior’s 3-1 win in a heated rivalry game.

The JV Orange men’s soccer team will play Manor on Tuesday, March 5, at the Warrior Bowl at 7:30 p.m.