Faced with many challenges, COVID-19 related and otherwise, both Linsly’s Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams finished their seasons with successful records of 6-4-2 and 7-5-4, respectively. Both teams experienced various obstacles throughout the season, including injuries which further impacted the already unusual 2020 Fall Sports Season. However, both teams exhibited sportsmanship-like conduct in times of great frustration, dismay, and triumph. Despite the uncertainty of COVID-19 cancelling games and practices at any time, both teams aimed to create a memorable season as developing soccer players and teammates. Faced with many tough opponents, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team best demonstrated their talents during their game against East Fairmont High School, in which they brought home a 3-1 victory. Not only did the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team welcome their new head coach, Coach Charles Neighoff, this season, but they also defeated their top rival, Wheeling Catholic Central, three times, which is a monumental feat for a team to consistently accomplish.
Unfortunately, both teams, along with other high schools in Ohio County and Monongalia County, were disqualified from participating in the annual OVAC Championship due to increasing rates of COVID-19 infections. However, both teams took this disheartening blow in stride. In light of their disqualification, both teams fiercely battled with local rivals in The Wheeling Championship. Sadly, both teams lost to The Wheeling Park Patriots despite their best efforts. Overall, both the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams collectively had unforgettable seasons. In lieu of COVID-19 and natural ups and downs, the seniors are especially grateful to their coaching staff for ensuring a relatively full last high-school soccer season. A special congratulations is in order to the Class of 2021 for overcoming such an uncertain Fall Sports Season!
