DA Jr. A Soccer lost a challenging match to a skilled and well-coached Williston team on a blustery Saturday afternoon, 0 – 2. Williston jumped out to a 1 – 0 lead in the first minute of the game, taking advantage of an unfortunate ricochet to go up early. Deerfield responded well, as Eric Wang ’21 took control of the midfield and created an opportunity for a blitzing Jared Faux ’20, who just missed the tying goal. Williston came back strong though, earning a shot from the top of the box with good ball movement – but the try was turned away by Deerfield keeper Crawford Rice ’20 for his first excellent save of the match. Williston pushed the ball up the middle to the field, then moved it to the left side alley. A late touch bounced off the Deerfield’s backline and was buried for Williston’s second and final goal of the match. The wind continued to blow the ball back and forth along the turf, but the Deerfield midfielders and defense played well in the remainder of the first half – controlling possession and the pace of the game. Nasir Barnes ’21 and Tait Kline ’22 helped hold the line and create chances for Deerfield, leading to shots on goal by Sam Lauer ’20, Faux, and Noah Depp ’22. After halftime, both teams continued to play hard, with Shame McCarthy ’21 and Ethan Chen ’20 fending off the Williston attack. Late in the half, Chen and Tommy Leimkuhler ’21 played the two man game up the sideline and got the ball to Lauer, whose shot sailed wide over the net. All in all, a difficult match for the Deerfield crew, but their effort and soccer principles were evident throughout the game.