The Verrado Vipers boys varsity soccer team traveled to La Joya Community High School Tuesday night to take on the Fighting Lobos with a playoff spot up for grabs. 

The atmosphere was very playoff-like, with both teams’ fans cheering and screaming throughout the intense matchup. However, it was the Vipers who ultimately came out on top with a score of 2-1.

Verrado was able to strike first with a goal from freshman Alex Keaveny in the first half. Senior Jacob Neumann provided the Vipers with some cushion, adding a goal of his own in the second half. 

The Fighting Lobos did not stop playing and scored a goal late in the second half, giving them life once again. Although several yellow cards were handed out and it seemed to get a bit rough at times, the Vipers kept their composure, realizing the importance of the game.

Verrado's defense stepped up and stayed strong throughout the game, helping lead its team to victory. This win was not an easy one for the Vipers, as they fought not only the Fighting Lobos, but sickness as well.

Keaveny, a freshmen, was battling the flu, while senior goalkeeper Erik Kleine was getting over pneumonia.

“It took me a little longer to catch my breath, but this was our biggest game," said Kleine after a strong performance despite the circumstances. "I wasn’t going to miss it.”

Nothing is certain, but it appears that Verrado earned a playoff spot with the huge victory over La Joya. 

Coming into the game, Verrado was 16-1 and handed La Jolla its first loss within the section, which does not bode well for its playoff chances.

“This has been a great season for our team so far and we’re looking to continue our success into the playoffs,” Neumann said.  

In their regular season finale, the Vipers defeated Shadow Ridge 1-0 on Thursday, when 11 seniors were honored on Senior Night.  

(Verrado clinched a playoff spot, earning the No. 8 seed. The seed allowed Verrado to stay close to home and will play its Tuesday first round match at Copper Canyon High Schoon in Glendale against the No. 9 seed, Yuma Kofa. 

The Division II game starts at 5 p.m.)