The Williston soccer team had its first official game in almost two years, and although the game ended in a draw, the big win was just being out on the field against another team.

At 3:30 on Sept. 15, the Wildcats kicked off at Berkshire School, beginning their soccer season after having last year season first postponed, and then cancelled entirely, by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Wildcats tied 1-1 against Berkshire, the second top prep high school in New England according to TopDrawerSoccer.com. This game set the tone of the season.

John Chiavaroli, Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Soccer team, spoke to The Willistonian prior the game.

“It feels great going into the first game in two years, it’s very excited to be part of a competitive game again.” Chiavaroli said, adding, “now it’s up to the players to believe in themselves.”

Following the game, Chiavaroli said he was “really excited to see us paying again close to our abilities.”

Senior Aaron Gonzalez, team captain, was confident and excited about the tie.

“The guys have been working hard for a long time,” Aaron said. He also spoke about the emotions of the team going into the season opening game.

“I wouldn’t call it pressure, it’s more like excitement,” Aaron said. “It’s more about wanting to outperform the other team.”

Jose Paiz, a senior soccer player, said the team was a little nervous in the beginning of the game, but that’s likely because “we haven’t played too much together.”