Both varsity soccer teams traveled to Walton High School in Marietta to take on the Raiders for their annual preseason scrimmage on Feb. 1.

The Chiefs kicked off first around 6 p.m. Going into the game, the Chiefs knew that Walton was going to be one of their toughest opponents all season. The first shot of the season came with 28 minutes left in the first half by senior Bailey Lopez, yet was saved by the Walton goalkeeper. A minute later, the Raiders had a fast break down the field and took a shot against Chiefs junior goalkeeper, Jonathan Bennett. The shot was saved to keep the game scoreless. The next shot, by sophomore Mason Harris, was deflected by the Walton goalkeeper and was finished by Bailey Lopez for the Chiefs first goal of the season. At halftime, the Chiefs led 1-0.

Following halftime, sophomore Mason Harris increased their lead to 2-0 with 34 minutes left in the game. Walton had a close call shot against Bennett with 29 minutes left in the game, but the shot hit the crossbar and the Chiefs defense was able to clear the ball up the field. After getting fouled in the box, the Chiefs were given a penalty kick. Lopez shot the penalty to the upper right corner to secure the Chiefs a 3-0 win against the Raiders.

“It was exciting to see the team perform for the first time this season,” said Lopez. “I know we are destined to accomplish big things because we have a great group of guys. We have a great group of guys that can make a run for state again.”

The Chiefs’ next game, and first official game of the season, will be at home against Pace Academy on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.

The Lady Chiefs kicked off following the guys’ game around 7:30. The first shot of the season for the Lady Chiefs was taken by junior Annie O’Neill with 24 minutes left in the first half. After getting fouled outside of the box, the Lady Chiefs received a free kick. Junior Morgan Yocom scored the free kick for the Lady Chiefs to give them a 1-0 lead with 15 minutes left in the first half. As the first half continued, Walton had a breakaway down the field. The player took a shot against senior goalkeeper, Stephanie Yi, who saved the shot to give the Lady Chiefs the lead at halftime.

After a scoreless beginning to the second half, the Lady Chiefs were able to secure the win against Walton with a goal, 16 minutes left in the game, by senior Grace Podolski.

“It was a great game,” said Yocom. “We haven’t beaten Walton in three years and it felt good to beat them on their home field.”

The Lady Chiefs first official game of the season will be at home on Feb. 8 against Jonesboro at 8 p.m.