The Varsity boys’ soccer team took the field for the first time this season in front of a full stand of Saint Stephen’s and Manatee fans.

Both teams started off strong, equally competing for the ball and taking it up and down the field. With 25 minutes left in the first half, the Falcons took the lead with a goal by junior Jorge Zavala.

The Falcons brought their A-game for the rest of the first half; good passes and constant communication allowed them to keep the lead.

About 20 minutes into the second half, Manatee made an impressive but unexpected shot from midfield that went in the top corner of the goal, tying the score 1-1.

Manatee really stepped it up towards the end of the game, scoring two more times in the next 10 minutes. The Falcons fought back hard but unfortunately were not able to recover, and lost their first game of the season 3-1.

Zavala said he was unimpressed with the way the Falcons played.

“We played okay the first half, we could’ve done better but it’s the first game so we’ll get better as the season progresses,” Zavala said.

Junior JJ Byrnes, keeper for the Falcons, said they knew they were the better team, despite the loss.

“A lack of fitness and a few mental mistakes led to the inevitable equalizing goal and the win for Manatee and a lack of a real pre-season,” he said.

Head Coach Marc Jones agreed that the loss was disappointing.

“We’re just going to keep getting better and better as the season goes on, and I’m looking forward to a great year,” he said.