Caleb Gottry attends Chandler Preparatory Academy and is a member of the AIA’s Student SID program.

On March 1st, the Chandler Prep Titans hosted the undefeated Eagles from ALA and could not manage to stop the offensive pressure of the opposition, eventually losing 8-0. Unfortunately for the Titans, Chandler Prep’s starting goalie, junior Sam Davis, was out of the game due to a concussion sustained the week prior. Davis commented on how the loss affects the team going forward:

I firmly believe that even though we lost horribly, we will rebuild and come back stronger. [...] We need to trust each other more and not play as individuals but play as a team. We are looking forward to the next game. I might be knocked out and the team is low on spirit, but just you wait, we are coming back.

Second-string goalie Kyle Duffek was an admirable stand-in at the net with over 12 saves in the first 60 minutes of play, but the Titans did choose to alter their defensive strategy. The Chandler Prep defensive players played very close to the net, often even inside the goalie box and the midfielders and even some forwards came back to defend the area right outside the box. In an attempt to congest the area around the goal more than normal, putting less pressure on the goalie, it was difficult for the Titans to make strong offensive drives that put scorers within accurate shooting range.

The Eagles controlled the ball well in these circumstances and were able to score from close to the net on fast breaks and off of corner kicks.

The Titans came up short contesting the 50/50 balls throughout the game frequently being beaten by the rough physicality and size of the Eagles defense and midfielders. When Chandler Prep did have their chances to make offensive drives, it was a full team effort often led by senior Andrei Sheydayi, and the team was sometimes able to use their speed to make it a one-on-one shot against the goalie. Unfortunately, these opportunities for well executed offensives were few and the Titans were unable to put one in the net.

Chandler Prep has a 4-4 regional record and sits #15 overall in 3A boys’ soccer. They will likely play a conference play-in game soon. Titan Up.