Country Day’s co-ed soccer team defeated Bradshaw Christian School on April 23 at Mather Sports Complex with a score of 7-0.

With the other team down one player, the Cavs decided to play 10 vs. 10. 

After a slow start, junior forward and defender Ethan Monasa scored a goal off a pass from junior defender Miles Morrow.

“It took us about 20 minutes to get into a rhythm,” Monasa said. “But once we got our heads in the game, we really started to pull ahead.”

Monasa and junior center midfielder Malek Owaidat scored two goals each. Sophomore center midfielder RJ Vargo and sophomore midfielder and defender Tonye Jack each scored once. Junior defender and forward Arijit Trivedi scored once off of a penalty kick.

After a player on the opposing team received a red card in the box, Trivedi stepped up to take the shot. The shot missed, but within two minutes, there was another opportunity, which he converted into a goal. 

Despite the slow start, Jack was proud of the team’s performance. Still, he thinks there is work to be done.

“Our team still needs to work on playing more physically and improving our individual mindsets,” he said. 

Sophomore defender Adam Akins agrees.

“Our team has a tendency to adapt our playing abilities to whoever we are against. Oftentimes, it takes us a bit to really get going,” he said.

Looking into next year, co-coach Matt Vargo is hesitant to make any promises but has confidence in the team’s ability.

“The team is off to a great start. Obviously, every year is different, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone develop as players and teammates,” Vargo said.

— By Simone DeBerry