The 9-4 boys soccer team won its first playoff game 2-1 Oct. 27 over the 3-6-4 B-CC Barons, who had beaten the Vikings at home just ten days earlier.

With the return of defender Sam Pearl-Schwartz and a week of preparation, the Vikings came out strong to avenge their regular season loss to the Barons.

Both teams played strong defense in the first half, but the Vikes controlled the possession with sharp footwork and distribution by midfielders Andrew Wagman, Grant Miller and Spencer Meschter.

With ten minutes left in the first half, Meschter was able to score the first goal of the game, heading it into the net off of a well-placed corner kick from Wagman.

Lead by inspired defense and a phenomenal game from goalkeeper Mark Cameron, the Vikes were able to hold their opponents off until late in the second half when a Barons midfielder shot the ball over Cameron and into the net.

The draw didn’t last long, however, as forward Davey Mason put the Vikes back in the lead within two minutes of the Baron’s goal, scoring the last goal of the game.

The Vikes look forward to their matchup against the 12-1-1 Wootton Patriots, who, like B-CC, beat Whitman in the regular season.

“After the defeat against Wootton, I told the team that we’re going to beat them in the playoffs,” defender Yuta Nakagawa said. “[Now] we have that opportunity and by no means are we afraid to play them again.”

The match against Wootton was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy cancelations, but is scheduled to take place Nov. 1 at Blair at 7:30.

The Vikings are confident in their journey to the state championship and are calling on the fans to help them get there.

“[The fans’] support really motivates us on the field and I think they give us extra energy to keep working hard during games,” Nakagawa said. “We definitely need their support if we are to go further in playoffs.”