The rivalry between Lyons Township and Hinsdale Central rarely disappoints and the annual Silver Brick game between the boy’s varsity soccer teams was no exception. Although there were no back-and-forth hype videos and social media wars, the teams did the talking, taking the game to a double overtime before Charlie Clarke ‘18 scored with four minutes left in the second overtime period at Bennett Field on Sept. 22.

Both teams had faced their struggles early in the season, which made the showdown between the archrivals that much more important. The first half consisted of numerous long balls and dramatic crosses, compared to a more composed, possession style play which is what is otherwise usual of LT and Hinsdale.

Besides small moments of promise, the first half concluded relatively plainly and the teams returned to their benches with a 0-0 scoreboard.

Within 10 minutes of the second half, LT took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Joey Fitzgerald ‘19 after he beat a defender and slid it past the goalie. The lead did not last long, however, as Hinsdale quickly came back to tie it.

Despite some questionable offsides and foul calls, regulation play came to an end, meaning there would be two overtime periods with a golden goal format, followed by penalty kicks, if necessary.

The first overtime was tension-filled, highlighted by an LT foul that gave Hinsdale a great scoring opportunity from roughly thirty yards out. However, behind the leadership of goalkeeper and captain Matt Vear ‘18, the ball never seriously threatened the Lions.

LT finally broke through to win the match after Eric Gradilla ‘18 had a throw-in that found the feet of Clarke, who placed the ball in the corner to finish of a memorable rivalry match. With LT’s win, the Silver Brick series, which began in 2008, is now tied 5-5 and LT leads the overall series 24-21-4 over Hinsdale.