The night was cool and crisp as Minooka’s boys soccer team arrived at Joliet Central on Sept. 17, a sense of determination hanging in the air. The season had been tough so far, but this match felt different. It wasn’t just another game — it was a rivalry clash, and they were hungry for their first win with a 0-4-4 record at the time.
Head coach Nate Spriggs had drilled the team all week, emphasizing focus, speed, and precision. He knew that if they executed their game plan, victory would follow.
“Practice translates to the game,” he told them. “If you do what’s right in practice, you’ll see the results. Tonight’s about showing up.”
The first half was a battle. Both teams played with intensity, but neither could break through. Minooka’s defense held firm, but there was a noticeable spark missing in the attack. It was 0-0.
As the halftime whistle blew, Spriggs gathered his players. He knew exactly what needed to change.
“I want you to play quicker,” he told the team. “Get the ball up into the final third, make them defend, and put pressure on their backline.”
With some key adjustments, including changes to positions in the second half, the team took to the field with renewed energy.
From the moment the second half began, Minooka was a different team. They pressed Joliet Central, moving the ball faster, finding spaces, and building momentum. Then came the breakthrough—Andrew Calderon, sharp and determined, found the back of the net, sending a jolt of excitement through the team. His goal was followed by an assist, showcasing his all-around contribution to the game.
“It feels good coming off some hard games and finally getting our first win,” Calderon Said after the match. “When we got that lead, it felt like a sigh of relief. We finally got there.”
But it wasn’t just Calderon. Fernando Bedolla played a critical role as well, locking down the defense when Joliet tried to counter. His positioning was vital in preventing any serious threats.
“The key part was the positions,” Bedolla said. “Coach switched it up in the second half, and we scored three goals because of it. I played back more so they wouldn’t attack as often.”
As the final whistle blew, Minooka had secured a 3-0 victory — their first win of the season, and one that felt especially sweet against their longtime rival.
The team celebrated together, their hard work and resilience finally paying off. Spriggs, though proud, kept his focus forward.
“Conference wins are tough to come by, but tonight, everyone was on the same page. That’s what makes the difference,” he said.
For Minooka, this victory wasn’t just about breaking their losing streak; it was about proving to themselves that they had what it took to compete. Now, with that first win behind them, the team is setting their sights on regionals, ready to build on the momentum.
As Bedolla put it, “Finally, our first win.”
