The Pirates started the second half on the front foot, pressing PGHS, forcing a number of errors in the midfield and defense, ultimately creating a couple of chances. However, 10 minutes into the second half, PG countered and, while tracking back on defense, a PG player was taken down in the box (a call I did not agree with) and the Breakers were awarded with a penalty. Rather than allow this moment to bring about a sense of frustration and defeat, the seniors and captains rallied the team, bringing about a newfound energy and physicality. Accordingly, less than 10 minutes later, Nathaniel Hahn played a brilliant set free kick in from 50 yards out, where Ardan Dorrian flicked the ball on to a waiting Nico Collignon, who calmly slotted the ball away, evening things up at 1-1. This seemed to break PG's spirit, as they came to rely exclusively on long, searching counter-attacking balls, only one of which resulted in a dangerous scoring opportunity. However, the Pirates pressed the Breakers and created multiple chances, including a brilliant redirection by Ardan that just barely missed the mark, a marvelous through ball from Santiago Esquino to Nathaniel Hahn that led to Nathaniel being taken down by the PG GK in the box (which was ignored by the referee), and a shot by Henry Blaxter that forced the GK into a full extension, pushing the ball against the post before being cleared from goal. The game-winner arrived with less than two minutes remaining as Nathaniel intercepted a ball in the midfiled, played it forward to Ardan, who deftly touched it back to Nathaniel who slotted it away. Pirates 2, Breakers 1.

We resume league play on Tuesday away versus a talented Rancho San Juan squad. We then travel north a bit to Seaside High School on Thursday for a battle with the reigning league champions.