An exhilarating second half display propelled Jesuit to a victory on Thursday night against Ida B. Wells. 

The Crusaders started the game well, and won a penalty within five minutes of the game. Drew Pedersen easily scored the penalty as he placed the ball into the bottom right corner. Jesuit continued creating chances and nearly extended their lead on multiple occasions. 

Although dominating, the Crusaders were unable to find their second. The Guardians then had a freekick from 20 yards out, and scored after it was curled into the bottom corner. Going into halftime, Jesuit felt  disappointed not to be leading. 

As the second half began, the Crusaders regained their composure and began to take a hold of the game. Three minutes into the half, Aarya Saxena tried his luck from 30 yards out, but was denied by the crossbar. Jesuit had another chance after Saxena crossed the ball into Pedersen, but his header clipped off the bar. 

Ten minutes into the second half, the Crusaders finally found the breakthrough. Omar Barajas played a low cross into Dominic Hoar-Weiler, who finished the move off with a calm finish into the goal. 

Just two minutes later, Hoar-Weiler found another goal after he thumped a left footed shot from outside the box past the keeper. Jesuit looked fully in control with a 3-1 lead. 

Even with the lead, the Crusaders kept pushing on to seal off the game. Pedersen found his second after he found space in the box and lashed the ball into the net.

Jesuit continued their commanding performance after Micah Doebler layed it off to Diego Nieves, whose powerful shot flew into the goal. The Crusaders scored a sixth goal from Logan McGuire, with a left footed shot into the top corner. The game ended 6-1, after a stunning second half. 

Reflecting on the huge win, Pedersen noted how the team played as a whole.

“It feels great,” Pedersen said. “The team played really well as a unit, we were moving the ball around and were solid in the back.”

With his first two goals of the season, Hoar-Weiler mentioned how he hopes to continue his form.

“I’m just happy to help the team,” Hoar-Weiler said. “It’s great to get on the scoresheet, and it was a really fun night. I’m excited for the next game against Wilsonville.”