The Stevenson Patriots played their first home game against the Vernon Hills Cougars on Saturday, Aug. 31, moving their record up to 1-0-1. After an offensive explosion in the first half, the Patriots came out on top 4-0.
Stevenson’s Jack Bacher ’25 had a fantastic game, scoring two unassisted goals in the first half. With center Back Mohit Damodaran ’25 and goalie Matthew Rutcosky ’26 providing support on defense, the Patriots shut out the Cougars..
Vernon Hills began by putting instant pressure on the slower Patriots offense. However, the Patriots prevailed as Bacher got past the defense early, with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the game.
“I didn’t score any last week and I’ve kind of been dying for one,” Bacher said. “I’ve been really waiting for a goal so it felt good to get some today.”
Twelve minutes into the second half, Rutcosky had a tremendous save to keep the Patriots lead at 3-0. The Patriots had all the momentum on their shoulders to secure the shut out, and the Vernon Hills initial pressures had gone away.
“They’re motivated by serving each other, and the greater cause – which is being a Patriot,” head coach Pepejon Chavez said. “Our culture here is about family, working hard. We all wear a yoke and that yoke is the pressure that we bear together as a team.”
Cole Dirks ’26 chases for the ball against Vernon Hills. The Patriots managed to keep the ball away from their side for 20 straight minutes in the second half, dominating on offense.
To conclude the offensive showcase, Stevenson’s Asher Lee ’28 scored a goal in the last seven minutes, making the Patriots lead 4-0. The Patriots didn’t back down after that, not allowing Vernon Hills to gain possession, and closed out the game at 4-0.
“We have been doing practices that have been involving different lineups and our coach has really pushed us to our limits,” Damodaran said. “I’d say just the combination of practices and all the new tactics and people I’ve been introduced to on this team have really helped us shape as a family.”
The Patriots teamwork and brotherhood mentality has caused other teams to turn their heads. Last year, the Patriots lost in the sectional semifinals of the state tournament. However, they are hunting for another State appearance this year.
“We were there in 2012, and in 2022, and we don’t like to take years off,” Chavez said. “It’s a tough goal to have, but that’s the ultimate goal that we should have, cause that’s the top.”
The Patriots started their next tournament with a 1-1 tie against Mt. Carmel, setting their record to 1-0-2. They are now awaiting the undefeated Glenbrook South team in the Stevenson Stadium on Friday, Sep. 6 at 5:00pm. While the athletes are motivated, they realize there is a chip on their shoulders that comes with it.
“We’re definitely motivated mentally,” Damodaran said. “We feel as if we have a target on our backs because we’re Stevenson and seen as an accomplished fútbol team. So we go into every game with extra motivation to defeat the opponent.”
