Lincoln Soccer Defeats Florida High, 3-1

On November 7, the Lincoln Trojans (2–0) defeated the Florida High Seminoles (0–3) in an electric non-district matchup, 3-1.

Lincoln, coming off a win previous week, looked to secure their second win off the season. Florida High, however, coming off back-to-back losses, looked to rally together and bring home their first win of the season. What followed was a competitive matchup between two teams with a clear desire to win. 

Florida High opened the match with an aggressive high press, constantly pressuring Lincoln’s offense and pushing the tempo on the counterattack. That intensity paid off early in the first half when Florida High’s forward  Valentino Gomez buried a free kick to give the Seminoles a 1–0 lead. Lincoln began to settle in as the half went on, controlling the ball more effectively and creating a couple of close scoring chances, but Florida High’s defense made a key stop late in the half to keep the Seminoles in front heading into the break.

Early in the second half, Lincoln’s Nihal Kalathil found the equalizer, finishing off a play that started from a solid defensive play and a quick counterattack. Roughly ten minutes later, his teammate  Thoren Knispel  added another goal to put the Trojans ahead 2–1.

From there, Lincoln’s defense held tall, cutting off passing lanes and winning key tackles to keep Florida High from regaining momentum. With just over two minutes remaining, Nihal Kalathil struck again for  his second goal of the night  and sealing Lincoln’s 3–1 victory.

Lincoln’s composure and improved ball movement in the second half proved to be the difference, while Florida High’s early pressure faded as the Trojans took control of possession and dictated the pace late.

Notable performances for Lincoln, Forward Nihal Kalathil (Sr.) with two goals, and Forward Thoren Knispel (Sr.) with one goal.