The Firebirds opened their 2025 GWOC schedule last night with a trip to the Warriors of Wayne High
School. Fairmont went on the attack from the opening whistle and forced the hosts’ keeper to make
some important saves to keep the game level through the opening half. The Birds moved the ball well
through the middle of the park and swung the ball to change the point of attack, but they were unable
to seize a goal against the Warriors. Wayne was unable to produce any chance of scoring in the half
against a stout back four of Charlie Pochet, Noah Baumgarten, Luke Davidson, and Grey Danner.

In the second half, the Warriors packed five to seven men along the back line and seemed to be looking
to earn a point with a tie. Fairmont saw many of its shots sail just over the crossbar and with twenty-one minutes to play, the Warrior’s keeper made a spectacular save to keep the game level. However, three minutes later Bien Niyonkuru burst into the box and was dragged down for a penalty. Senior captain Will Herman stepped up and put the ball past the keeper to finally break the tie. It was a gritty performance by the Birds and their patience paid off. Fairmont played with an abundance of grit and patience denying any true opportunities for the Warriors to get on the scoreboard, and the game ended 1-0.

Fairmont will host the Trojans of Troy High School at Fairmont Park Stadium this Thursday, August 28th with JV kickoff at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity kickoff at 7:15 p.m.