Page County boys soccer reflects on turn-around season
By Tyler Chinn
SHENANDOAH, June 2 — From practicing this offseason in a poultry house, to going this far into postseason play, the 2025 season was one no player will forget.
“Our expectations were to be better than last year…” said freshman Reed Richards. “We knew we had to be better and couldn’t lose by slaughter rule every game, and we did that.”
The Page County boys soccer team (10-5-1, 9-4-1) was able to do more than just that this season. Heading into Monday’s match against Stuarts Draft ( 7-9, 6-6), the Panthers were in an unfamiliar place — hosting their first region quarterfinal.
Heading into the postseason, the Panthers had found their stride winning with five straight victories and a 3-0 win against Stonewall Jackson in their last outing.
After an even first 20 minutes on Monday, it seemed that Page County had controlled the possession of the game, dominating Stuarts Draft with the ball as they were able to stay in the Panther’s attacking third most of the first half.
After what had been a back and forth sequence in the game, Stuarts Draft received a free kick at half field that led to a Page County player getting dragged down in their own box. After moments of a heated conversation, a Stuarts Draft’s player lunged at Page County’s defender, which led to a red card (35’) and immediate ejection of both players from the game. Each team had to compete with 10 players for the remainder of the match.
Shortly after, a Stuarts Draft’s player took a hard fall in their box, which led to a penalty shot for Stuarts Draft. Up for the kick was freshman John Hayes, whose shot went over the net.
Before halftime, the Panthers were able to swing momentum back in their favor through a string of attacking chances right before the whistle. After 40 minutes of back-and-forth action, the game was still scoreless at the half.
“We were pulling shots left and right; we just couldn’t find the back of the net…” PCHS head coach Tyler Knight said after the game. “We talked about that at halftime. We’ve had mishaps like that before; we just knew we needed to come out good in the second half.”
Unfortunately for Page, that plan did not work out. Seven minutes into the second half, Stuarts Draft (48’) was able to capitalize on a free kick with a beautiful shot that went into the back of the net.
Shortly after, Page was able to battle back and tie the game at one after senior Sam O’Neill (48’) finished off a deflection that came straight to his foot. After the game, O’Neill discussed what playing in such a historic season has meant to him.
“Coming into the season, we had to be fully prepared…” said O’Niell. “… Look at all the accomplishments we’ve achieved, beating Clarke, full sweeps over teams, most wins in Page history. It’s been a journey.”
O’Niell scored an impressive 17 goals this season and was able to talk about getting adjusted to a different position for him through the season.
“When I came over from England I was playing defense…” said O’Niell. “…Coming here, I started playing striker, not expecting to get 17 goals, but helping the team achieve is all I wanted to do.”
In what had been a physical back-and-forth matchup, it was anyone’s game to win. Stuarts Draft was able to grab the lead (52’) back after a mishap from Page County and with 20 minutes left to go, the Panthers were looking to find some motivation to fight back.
Desperate for an answer, Page County was provided that courtesy of a strike from freshman Reed Richards (72’) that helped the Panthers level the game.
“We said we have to do better…” said Richards. “… We put a goal in and we just kept trying to fight back.”
With both teams tied as the final whistle blew, the game would be settled with extra time.
Not wasting any time, Stuarts Drafts’ Hayes (82’) was able to convert a penalty kick that the Cougars were awarded, strengthening their lead 3-2. Right before the end of the first half of extra time, another Page County player was handed a red card (84’), which led to his ejection. With that, Stuarts Draft was able to put the game to rest and finish with a trio of unanswered goals that stretched their lead to 6-2.
Stuarts Draft’s victory propells the Cougars to 8-9, and they will host Fort Defiance (8-9) on Wednesday, June 4 at 6 p.m.
With the loss, the Panthers’ season ends at 10-6-1.
“Two years ago, we went 0-32, and a lot of these seniors were on that team as sophomores,” said Coach Knight. “…Those guys, the camaraderie that they bring to the team, it’s brought a whole new rumble that we’ve never seen before.”
Knight discussed how the Panthers would be able to build upon their success to be prepared again for next season.
“We’re going to kick off like we did last year…” said Knight. “… We’re looking to play more on the weekends here, and for the young guys coming up, we lift and do touches twice per week. I think because of this season, we’ll have more guys out than ever.”
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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