Photo from MV Cyclones
By Monet Sanders, Staff Writer
In an exciting showdown on Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Moraine Valley Cyclones faced off against the South Suburban Bulldogs at South Suburban College. Entering the match with an impressive record this season, the Cyclones were eager to secure another victory.
During pre-game warmups, Cyclones head coach Chris Koloffon discussed the team’s near-perfect season, highlighting “consistency” as the key to their success. He addressed the challenge of high expectations, stating, “Keeping it simple —no game is too big or too small.” Koloffon’s approach has fostered a focused mindset within the team.
Cyclones midfielder and freshman Bart Jaskowski, shared his thoughts on the season, reflecting on their only loss to Elgin Community College. The loss was a taught pill to swallow, but it taught the team valuable lessons and only fueled their motivation. The players are hoping for a rematch with Elgin, determined to prove their growth since that defeat.
As the match commenced, both teams displayed their skills, but the Bulldogs quickly took control. Scoring an early goal, South Suburban established a 1-0 lead while demonstrating solid defensive play to maintain their advantage throughout the first half.
Despite the setback, the Cyclones regrouped in the second half with renewed determination. Key players Jacek Malinowski and Emmanuel Calixto, both freshmen, emerged as pivotal figures. In a strong display of teamwork and persistence, they each scored, bringing the match to a dramatic 2-2 tie as the clock wound down. The energy in the stadium surged as fans rallied behind the Cyclones, witnessing their unwavering resolve.
This match marked the conclusion of the regular season for the Cyclones, who are now gearing up for the playoffs. With their character and resilience on full display, their journey into the postseason will be one to watch closely. The team is poised to leverage their experiences, aiming for a championship title as they move forward.
