On Friday evening, Potomac Boys Varsity Soccer fought off an early-goal deficit to ensure that their playoff hopes lived on as they drew 1-1 with Episcopal on the road in what could be a valuable point gained. 

Coach Beauchamp’s side were hit early by the reigning state champions just 13 minutes in, when the referee signaled, somewhat harshly, to the penalty spot after senior Ben Scharf was judged to have handled the ball inside his own box. 

The penalty, a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, narrowly evaded the outstretched palms of senior Grey Chamberlain–who was in between the posts for the Panthers on the night. 

From then on, however, Potomac remained in control. 

Sophomore Pearce Kellett forced a comfortable save from the Episcopal keeper in the 25th minute before junior Elijah Nkojo headed wide from close range moments later. 

The Maroon, playing on their home turf, responded by forcing Chamberlain to make a number of saves in goal either side of halftime, including a point-blank save to keep the game in the balance in the 46th minute. 

Whatever was said at halftime clearly worked, though, as just three minutes into the restart, Potomac were level. 

A freekick delivery from the edge of the box was expertly dispatched into the net by senior Kaiden Staver to bring Potomac level at 1-1, to the shock of several hundred home supporters. 

Ultimately, despite a number of half-hearted attempts on goal in the latter stages of the game, Potomac was unable to break the deadlock in the remaining half hour. That said, having dominated the game in large spells, the team should take great confidence from their performance moving toward the end of the season. 

No less a respectable result away from home, Potomac will look ahead to several heavyweight clashes, including versus Georgetown Day and St. James–both at home.