To start playoffs, the Cleveland boys’ soccer team demolished 23rd-seed Glencoe 4-0 in a commanding win at home Nov. 1 in the first round of the OSAA 6A playoffs. Entering as clear favorites with home-field advantage, expectations were high, and the players were dialed in.

On this overcast afternoon, Cleveland immediately pinned Glencoe deep in their defensive half getting countless opportunities to score. 

The first breakthrough came in the 21st minute when junior Max Morrison headed a ball toward the bottom corner, allowing senior Sacha Abraham to put Cleveland ahead. Five minutes later, junior Oscar Johnson’s free kick slipped through the Glencoe keeper’s hands and was tapped in by sophomore striker Holland Lounsbury. Cleveland continued the barrage in the 32nd minute as junior Julian Daniels buried a well-placed cross from Morrison, sending the Warriors into halftime with a commanding 3–0 lead.

In the second half, Cleveland controlled possession while laying back defensively. Glencoe got a few chances at goal, but senior goalkeeper Derek Puppo kept a clean sheet. The Warriors sealed the win in the 60th minute when junior Mosley Campbell dribbled through multiple defenders and drilled a shot into the top corner. With the 4–0 win, they advanced to play No. 7 Lincoln in the second round.

In their second round matchup on Wednesday, Nov. 5, the boys took a brutal 2-1 loss against the seventh-seeded Cardinals. The two teams had played each other in the regular season, with Lincoln winning 1-0. Lincoln had the homefield advantage, but Cleveland brought much more of a student section to even out the playing field.

The pouring rain throughout the whole game made for some of the most miserable playing conditions that Cleveland athletes have played through all season, making the game more fast-paced and the ball trajectory hard to predict. Lincoln scored two miraculous goals in minutes one and 12 of the first half, leaving Cleveland rattled. The remainder of the half was back and forth opportunities with a few shots on goal. Lincoln went into halftime leading 2-0. 

Cleveland came out of halftime with a spark and was full of energy. Pressure from the offensive line led to an open shot from senior Ari Krain that was barely cleared right off the goal line. That strong start set the tone for the second half, leaving Cleveland determined to score. 

Cleveland finally got a break in the 72nd minute when junior Cole Christensen scored off a corner taken by junior Oscar Johnson. They continued to keep the pressure on but fell short in the last eight minutes and failed to tie up the game.

The boys ended their season ranked 11th in state with a record of 7W-3L-5T. Overall it was a very good, productive and successful season showing many bright spots throughout every game. The future for this team looks very promising over the next couple years and will be a lot more successful.