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Samuel Sellers finding his man to guard during a corner kick.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Yonatan Lopez guarding the Wildcats midfielder.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Samuel Sellers upset at a referees call during the close match.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Zahid Ramos catching the game saving penalty kick.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Anh Nguyen fouling the Wildcats offense, ultimately leading to a penalty kick.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Isael Pineda clearing the ball from defense.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Parker Clark throwing the ball for Boston Babson to receive.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Sam Strattman taking a goal kick.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Parker Clark waiting for his teammates to get open before he throws the ball into play.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Avery Kollman waiting to be subbed in.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Sam Strattman running to beat the offensive attack from the Wildcats.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Senior Anh Nguyen after making a run.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Corner flag waving in the wind as the game continues.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Zahid Ramos intimidating the Wildcats while gearing up for the penalty kick.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Senior Isael Pineda running back to his defensive potition.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Juniors Joe Migliore and Blake Kesterson observing the game and cheering on teamattes.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Parker Clark rebounding the ball out while defending.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Left side defenders Sam Strattman and Eli Grenade stepping back for the incoming pressure.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Zahid Ramos watching the field from the box.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Goalie Zahid Ramos blocking another shot by the Wildcats offense.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Senior Sam Strattman passing the ball to an open teammate.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Junior Samuel Sellers beating the defender with impeccable ball skills.
Photo by Emma Lockner
On October 21st, under the bright stadium lights on a crisp fall evening, the New Hanover Wildcats and the West Brunswick Trojans faced off in an intense varsity soccer matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The Wildcats, ranked 21st in the state, walked up to the pitch ready to secure another win against the Trojans. In their previous matchup on September 30th, New Hanover narrowly defeated West Brunswick 1-0 after a tough defensive showing by the Trojans. This time, both teams entered the rematch determined to prove their dominance on the field, and by the final whistle, it was clear neither side was backing down.
The first forty-five minutes set the tone for the evening. The Wildcats dominated possession early, pressuring the Trojan defense and sending multiple shots toward goal. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t quite find the back of the net. With about 5 minutes left of the first half, senior Ahn Nguyen fouled an opposing attacker inside the box leading to a penalty kick. Senior West Brunswick goalie, Zahid Ramos, stayed on his toes while the referee blew the whistle to signal the kick and pulled through with a difficult save keeping the game 0-0.
In the second half of the game, players grew increasingly restless and aggressive, leading to several fouls near the box. Later in the half, junior Jeremy Tapia earned a yellow card, and the game went into double overtime; two 10-minute halves ending the game 0-0.
The MVP of the night was without question senior goalkeeper Zahid Ramos, who made several remarkable saves not only stopping the crucial penalty kick but also challenging tap-ins and top-corner shots. He’s had a difficult season overall but pulled through tonight against the Wildcats.
While neither side secured the win, the draw proved just how evenly matched the Wildcats and Trojans have become. For West Brunswick, the result felt like a statement of growth and resilience, especially after their earlier loss to New Hanover. The Wildcats, meanwhile, were reminded that rankings mean little when faced with a team willing to fight until the very end.
