Hinsdale South and Willowbrook High School’s soccer rivalry is defined by its unpredictableness, pure competition, and sheer display of skills, making the annual South vs Willowbrook soccer game imperative to each and every one of South’s soccer players.

Last year, the team took a staggering loss, 0-9, against Willowbrook, but this year, the redemption was sweet, as this season’s varsity team struck down Willowbrook with an astonishing 6-0.

“Winning 6-0 felt great after our defeat by them last year,” remarked senior, and center back, Davin Olsen. “It’s a good result for the conference standings for us.”

Olsen has been playing soccer for twelve years, with experience on school teams and Oak Brook Soccer Club.

“Our record this season could be completely better than it is right now,” added Olsen. “Winning this game was very important because it got us back on track for some important matches coming up.”

That same sentiment was shared with sophomore, and midfielder, Jake Lu, who has been a vital member on the pitch for ten years on both school teams and his club, Eclipse’s ECNL team.

“I feel like this team has a bright future,” Lu said. “It feels good to have beat Willowbrook after losing last year.”

As the season continues, the soccer team will take on DGS, Addison Trail, and Proviso East, requiring an emphasis on the importance of the fluidity of the team.

“The teamwork and dedication shown on the field was something that I would like to see again,” added Lu.

“I’m proud of the boys for going out there and playing our game,” Olsen stated, highlighting the camaraderie amongst the team. “We passed well, played our forwards so they could create chances, and we ended up putting six past Willowbrook while keeping the clean sheet defensively.”