The Essex Boys soccer’s senior night game was a truly special night. The Hornets came out with a 2-0 win and saw an appearance from the team manager, Kaito Esselstrom, for the final minute of the game. Kaito has been a devoted team manager and practice goalie for the past two years, and he has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember.

On senior night, Kaito was filming the game (as he normally does) from above the crowd of rowdy fans at the top of the bleachers, when he was motioned down to the field to get his goalie gear on for the first time all year. The crowd began to Chant, “We want Kaito!” and they got what they asked for as he made his way to the halfway line. When asked about his mindset while checking into the game, Kaito responded, “I think it was a mixture of a lot of things. I felt nervous, excited, and eager. I think all of those are just a nice recipe for success.”

Kaito was right about it being a recipe for success, as he had made his varsity debut, and kept a first varsity clean sheet as well. When the buzzer sounded, the team stormed the field, and celebrated this incredible moment. When Kaito was asked about how he felt in this moment, he answered, “I just felt adrenaline, and was happy that the boys had a successful night, and being a part of that was really special.”

Kaito has dedicated the last two years to the soccer team, coming to every practice and every game, and it is truly special that he finally got to make his varsity debut.