The annual silver brick game on Sept. 21 was filled with constant excitement, suspense and a bit of disappointment for LT fans. Although the LT varsity boys soccer team had to leave Bennett Field after a disappointing loss to rival team Hinsdale Central, they played a strong game and brought nothing but determination and competition, according to head coach Paul Labbato. 

With a tie 2-2 at the end of the second half, they went into double overtime and lost 3-1 in penalty kicks. The boys showed many strengths during the game, Labbato said.

“We certainly did a lot of good passing and moving the ball,” Labbato said. “We were very dangerous on offense trying to get around the edge and score goals. It’s very difficult to do against good teams.”

LT was also quite powerful in the air, Labbato said. They won most balls on throw ins, goal kicks, penalty kicks and handled a lot of headers. The boys were down 1-0 in the first half when left wing, Liam Carolan ‘23, scored to tie the game. Attacking midfielder Aidan Hilling ‘22 then followed Carolan with another goal in the second half. Hilling, who has been playing the game since he could walk, was definitely a stand out player, according to Labbato. He assisted Carolan’s goal as well as making the one penalty kick for LT. According to Hilling, the team put in 100 percent on the field, but unfortunately the result didn’t exactly satisfy.

“As a team, we struggled with not finishing our chances, which led us into overtime,” Hilling said. “Personally, I feel like I can always play better. I always have something to work on with my game.”

It was quite the aggressive game, Hilling said. There were six yellow cards given, including one for Hinsdale’s coach and a red card for one of Hinsdale’s players. In the last five minutes of the game, Hinsdale’s goalie got injured and the back up goalie was brought in to finish the game.

Right defender Fisher Daniels ‘22 also played well and looked to the student section for some extra energy and enthusiasm. He thanked the parents, friends and school faculty who came to cheer on the boys. The team played an exceptional second half where they constantly had possession of the ball. However, it all came down to the plays in front of the goal, and they could’ve used the most work putting more shots in the back of the net, Daniels said.

“You lose focus in a game like this, in little moments, and you get scored on,” Labbato said. “It was a tough game, but we’ll always come back stronger.”