On Sept. 11, the Pirates varsity soccer team held onto the Kinsella Cup for the third year in a row, after a hard-fought 3-3 draw with the Fremd Vikings in a thrilling crosstown rivalry match.
With a halftime score of 0-0, both teams felt an urge to play even harder through the second half. Making a remarkable comeback from being down 2-0, sophomore Evan Kasparitis (#7) and senior Carson Latek (#14) brought the Pirates up three goals.
Defender Kasparitis took this match as an opportunity to showcase his talent, defending his side exceptionally, while also creating plays and scoring goals, ultimately leading his team to receiving the trophy.
“The deciding factor in the outcome of this game would be which team can defend better their mistakes,” head coach Aaron Morris said. “It sounds pretty simple, but each team has a lot of talent up top. It’s which team can make the least mistakes in the back.”
Behind the tension and pressure of the rivalry, the Kinsella Cup has become a symbol of soccer in Palatine, with a history that comes along with the title. This year marks the 46th annual Kinsella Cup game, which mirrors the long-standing tradition that brings both Fremd and Palatine together as one community.
“In 1968 there were two gentlemen, Jimmy Kinsella and Bill Hughes, that started the Celtic club in Palatine,” Morris said. “It was the only club that really existed around here. I believe it was the 80s when the two high schools had always played against each other. Then they created a game that really involved the community club as well.”
The game is highly competitive with a special atmosphere due to the community involvement and the presence of young players. To the varsity team, it is important to treat the match as a significant event that will inspire the team’s future athletes.
“I always looked up to the varsity players playing in the Kinsella Cup when watching the game as a kid,” junior Adam Jakimiuk said. “It was a surreal moment to be able to step onto the field and play for Palatine.”
The Pirates take on Hersey this Tuesday, prepared to continue their resilient season.
