Deerfield Academy demonstrated courage and grit in a suspenseful match at Berkshire. With only three substitutes for field players – all of whom are in the 9th grade – the Deerfield players asked much of each other to play 90 minutes of soccer without conceding a goal. Berkshire is a perennial powerhouse in the New England Prep School conference, and, today, in the final half the team – with many gifted players – had to resort to kicking balls long and hoping to get behind the defense. Importantly, one could say that Deerfield actually had the better opportunities on goal. For example, Felix Alfaro ’27, took the ball at half-field and showcased his dribbling skills to get through the Berkshire midfielders and defenders, and sent a challenging toe-poke shot that the Berkshire goalie saved with an extended hand. That play by Felix, and many others by Deerfield players, served to inspire the team to a well-earned draw. One good team had a great game with another good team. Deerfield faces Suffield Academy (CT) on Wednesday, September 17.