Champlin Park 5 – Totino-Grace 1

TG Student Council has organized the Game of the Week concept to promote attendance and community building at TG athletic events this fall. Thursday’s line-up: Girls’ tennis followed by Girls’ soccer and concluding with Boys’ soccer. The Superfan Eagles had a full slate. At Jim Totino Stadium, the rowdy and enthusiastic student section was a welcomed atmosphere-enhancer from the end of the girls’ 3-1 victory, through the pregame warmups and throughout the energetic, entertaining Northwest Suburban Conference boys’ match-up.

Match Day Five witnessed the Eagles host the Rebels of Champlin Park. A year ago, it was the first game of the 2022 campaign where Mario Perez, TG class of ’03, took the reins as acting head coach due to a suspension served by the Champlin Park head coach. As both head coach and assistant, Coach Perez inspired success for Champlin Park the last few seasons versus his beloved Eagles. You are always an Eagle, Mario .

The quick, technical play by the Rebels meant they would retain more than their share of possession. The Eagles recognized that and worked to make due when they won possession. Champlin Park’s pressure forced the Eagles to fly around their own half striving to contain the chances the Rebels created. Constant communication of marks combined with quickly closing down the ball, appeared to thwart Champlin Park’s fluid attack for a good portion of the first half. It took time but the Eagles did manage to work the ball upfield in the form of driven passes at wings and senior forward Joe Eischen, whose work rate mirrored that of premiere league number 9’s who work tirelessly to funnel the ball to one side or the other and completing a well-timed run to space in hopes of countering. In minute 33, Champlin Park caused a turnover and found passing lanes with space. Their counter-attack created the first goal of the game. Following the goal, the Eagles created their most dangerous chance of the half that would have captured headlines and an ESPN top-ten nominee. A TG free kick was served toward the top of the penalty area and bounced toward midfield after an Eagle-Rebel aerial collision, when sophomore attacker, Jabari Kibisu blasted a one-timed half volley from 30 yards out that did its best to follow the adage ‘miss wide not high.’ It rocketed toward the far upper ninety, only to miss close enough for the crowd to exhale an audible “OOOHHHHHHH!” Warning shot fired. With under 30 seconds remaining in the first half, a turnover allowed Champlin Park to counter and earn a controversial penalty to send the Eagles into halftime down two goals. The halftime talk centered around controlling the controllables, honoring one another’s effort, and committing to 40 minutes of aggressive effort. Champlin Park exhibited an impressive blend of tactical astuteness and technical precision while the Eagles put the miles on, working hard to deny space for the Rebels. A free kick Gave Champlin Park a 3-0 advantage. In minute 62 , a corner-kick goal gave the Rebels a 4-0 advantage. Then, with under 12 minutes remaining, a splendid goal by the Eagles: Sophomore Ramzy Awad (just called up for this match from JV) won at airball at centerback. Junior winger Landon Vance chested the bouncing ball and passed it in front of junior midfielder Logan Chaput. Chaput beat his mark and played a well-weighted ball into the path of a crafty, angled run by sophomore Kibisu. Kibisu collected the ball on the run and beat his defender and the oncoming keeper and slotted it home. The crowd cheered and the team quickly hustled back to half to build on that momentum. An open midfield and few missteps led to the Rebels fifth and final goal but with seconds on the clock, junior Connor Poitras did well to muscle the ball off an opponent at midfield and then served it to Kibisu. Again, torching multiple defenders, he created time and space for a cross toward goal. Poitras completed his 50-yard run and connected with the cross that went over the crossbar—a game of inches.

For the second game in a row, the Eagles were missing multiple starters due to injury. This game finished with two available subs. One player left the game in the first half to get stitches and returned before the conclusion of the game—dedication.

The Eagles are grateful for the support and are demonstrating a resolve that will serve them well this season—and in life. They travel to Maple Grove for a 5pm kickoff this Tuesday. Go Eagles!