Dylan Slager is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chaparral High School for AZPreps 365.

The Chaparral Boys varsity soccer got the job done in their 5A Conference play-in game against Millennium High School. The ninth ranked Firebirds dominated from start to finish as they fired shot after shot towards the Lions net. 

“We knew it was gonna be a big game out there. I mean, leave it all out on there and just give it all we got,” said Firebird senior Remy Adelman. “We’ve got something to lose so we left it all out on the field tonight.”

The boys did just that as they started off the game taking advantage of Millenniums defensive style of play. The first half was full of pressed plays and counter attacks by the Firebirds. 

“It is not just a play-in. Today is when the playoffs begin. We just have to play an extra game but every game is the same,” said Coach Jason Speirs. “It's no mercy in the playoffs. They knew that if we lose this one, we’re walking home and that's the season.”

After a well fought first half, the teams were locked at 0-0. However the Firebirds knew they had the advantage on both ends of the field. Chaparral junior defender Max Gibson was a key factor as he was able to play a significant part defensively, as well as working with his team on their counter attacks.

“When you’re in a playoff game, it doesn’t matter what stage you are in. The intensity level is always higher,” adds Gibson. “A lot of these guys are seniors, so we are all just putting everything we’ve got into it.”

Once the second half began, the Chaparral boys took full control of the game. Then, 15 minutes into the half, leading goal scorer and senior forward Drew Friedland scored a long freekick to break the tie and give the Firebirds the lead. Less than 10 minutes later, Chaparral sophomore winger Noah Reese added to the tally with a chip over the keeper followed by a tap-in goal to make it 2-0. 

With a win in sight and the clock winding down, all signs pointed to a perfect ending to the game for the Firebirds. However, when Chaparral senior forward Carson Little went up for a headed pass to a teammate, he was met with a boot to the face. The play was not blown dead which was then met with shouts of confusion from the stands and sidelines. Little got up and continued, but was later involved in a collision with Millenniums goalkeeper. Thus resulting in a red card for the senior and a 1 match ban for their next game. 

“He went through the keeper on a 50/50 ball. I initially thought it should have been a warning, a yellow,” Speirs added when asked about his Little. “The ref came over and better explained that he initially went for the ball but his cleat caught the keeper enough to call it.” 

The game ended after the Lions keeper was allowed to continue and the Firebirds came out on top, 2-0.

Little, now out for their next game, still wishes to support the team and be on the sideline for the next match

“I am a very vocal guy. I am brutally honest to people so if they aren’t playing well, I am gonna tell them. But if they play great, they are gonna hear it. That's how I’m gonna keep them going so hopefully that works,” Little said.

The Firebirds are set to continue their playoff run on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.