Jack Brown ‘23
March 14, 2021
This is the first article in a series chronicling the season of UVA Law’s Sunday League soccer team, Barristers United.
Barristers came away with a thrilling 6-2 win last Sunday, cementing their position at the top of the table with a 3-0 record. Their opponents, Alchemista Legion FC, put up a stern challenge with a physical play-style that kept the game tight despite a lopsided final score.
Thanks to a logistical mixup, the game began with most of Barrister’s starting line-up shirtless due to both sides having similar kit colors. The incredible fitness on display by the law students clearly intimidated the other team, which struggled to get the ball out of their half. Even so, the Barristers struggled to capitalize on their chances.
Pictured: The victorious Barristers lineup for the week of March 14.
Twenty minutes in, the deadlock was broken by Captain Zach Turk ’21 who found space in the box to volley a shot under the keeper, giving Barristers a well-deserved lead. Soon after, a set piece let fellow Barristers legend Will Pretto ’21 slot another one past Alchemista’s keeper to put the Law School up 2-0. It was at this point the equipment manager returned with pinnies to help distinguish the two sides.
However, Barristers putting shirts on led to a momentum shift for Alchemista, who were able to score shortly after on a counter-attack and create several chances that tested the veteran keeper Zane Clark ’21. Just when it seemed like it the scoreline would be even going into half time, a bounding run down the sideline by Josh Short ’21 set up Day Robins ’22 for what commentators are already calling the goal of the season. Taking the ball from the top of the 18 past a defender, she was able to rip a shot into the top right corner putting Barristers back in control.
In the second half a brace from double hoo Sam Mirzai ’22, and an impressive solo goal by Nathan Eagan ’21, who celebrated in a spirited fashion, put the game out of reach. Aside from these goals, the second half was defined by increasingly reckless play on Alchemista’s side which ended with injuries to Ardi Khalafi ’22 and Zach Kuster ’21, whose absences were felt in weekday training. Both players are listed as doubtful for the team’s next test against La Celeste, who are looking for their first win of the season.