On September 26, Jackson and Jefferson Middle School soccer teams delighted the crowd as they faced off in the annual D45 Crosstown Classic. Jaguar and Wildcat students, families, and friends gathered under the lights at Willowbrook High School as student-athletes from our two middle schools competed in soccer.
The evening began with a combined band of students from Jefferson and Jackson performing “The Star Spangled Banner” before the game under the direction of Mr. Joe Koppel.
The teams were equally matched, and the score was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation. Ultimately, Jackson won an overtime penalty kick shootout determined by a single save by Jackson’s goalkeeper, Ezequiel “Cheque” Uribe Solis.
“I prepared for the game with a lot of confidence and no fear,” said Uribe Solis. “But coming into the shootout, that changed.”
Nervous about his performance during the shootout, Uribe Solis listened to his teammates’ encouraging cheers.
“They kept telling me to dive to stop the ball and that they trusted me,” he said.
Taking his team’s faith to heart, Uribe Solis re-focused his nerves on stopping the Wildcats, whom he said played great defense and covered the goal well during the game.
“Most players were shooting to the right, so I dove to the right and saved the goal,” he said proudly.
What a contest! A great big thank you to the many Jackson and Jefferson staff who helped make the event successful, and special thanks to our dedicated families who support and encourage their student-athletes each day! Congratulations to all our student-athletes and coaches on a thrilling game!