As most people who have ever attended high school know, the fall is dominated by the football season. Though football still maintains its popularity at LT, a different fall sport is beginning to draw more and more attention: the other football. Soccer.
One of LT varsity soccer’s longest running traditions is the “Silver Brick Game,” the annual matchup awaited for by students in every competitive endeavor: Lyons Township vs. Hinsdale Central. The Silver Brick is the trophy passed off to the winning school in the annual conference clash. The brick has had a familiar home for some time now, with LT having won in 2016 and 2017. The 2018 edition took place on September 20th, under the lights in Hinsdale on a warm Thursday night.
As I stood in the stands of Hinsdale Central, I could feel the energy in the air. Both teams hyped themselves up all season for this day. The crowd was almost an even split of Lion and Red Devil fans, making the scene even more competitive.
Hinsdale Central wore their usual bright red and took the first kick off. LT wore white, and started more on the defensive end of a fast paced game. As I watched Central come closer and closer to scoring, my nerves increased. The game became very physical, very quickly, as usual for any meeting between Lyons and Hinsdale. At halftime, both teams walked off with nothing to separate them, a score of 0-0.
The second half started with even more energy and physicality than the first. LT came out with more of an offensive presence, moving the ball around and creating some chances. Eventually, LT Sophomore Jackson Turner buried a failed clearance by Hinsdale into the back of the net. My section of the crowd erupted, because most of us were LT soccer players ourselves. Turner’s goal sparked the energy of LT, but also Hinsdale Central’s. Soon after, I watched as LT gave away a free kick from 25 yards out. The ball was shot into traffic. Back of the net. 1-1.
My nerves hit the highest level that they had been all game. This is peak of high school competition, something athletes like me dream of. Two archrivals tied late in the game.
The ball moved around some more, but eventually Junior Jake Fraser broke away with only the Central Keeper to beat. He calmly placed the ball off of the right post and into the back of the net, 2-1. I can’t say I’ve seen a cleaner finish in a while. Pandemonium for the Lyons.
Fraser’s goal ended up sealing the game in a 2-1 victory for LT. The brick will stay in La Grange for a third straight year, a point of pride for myself and all LT soccer fans. With another classic physical game in the books, it’s safe to say I can’t wait for next year.
