DeKalb Suffers Crushing 7-0 Defeat to Guilford in Urgent Match

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the DeKalb Barbs were overwhelmed by the Guilford Vikings, suffering a staggering 7-0 loss in a nonconference soccer match on September 28, 2023. The Vikings quickly surged ahead, scoring their first goal just four minutes into the game, leaving DeKalb reeling.

The Barbs initially managed to keep the score at a one-goal deficit, but the Vikings exploded for four additional goals in an astonishing 11-minute stretch during the first half, effectively sealing DeKalb’s fate. “The first goal, it was a downer, but at least we didn’t let it bury us,” said DeKalb assistant coach Dave Lichamer. He emphasized the team’s struggle with ball control, stating, “We were still giving the ball up way, way, way too much.”

DeKalb’s head coach, P.J. Hamilton, declined to comment following the devastating defeat, which marked the Barbs’ largest loss this season, surpassing their previous 7-1 loss to Naperville North on September 9. With this defeat, DeKalb’s record now stands at 4-6, with three of their four losses prior to this match being by two goals or less.

The Vikings, now boasting an impressive record of 8-1-1, were led by Reed Suddeth, who opened the scoring at 36:09 left in the first half. Despite a valiant effort from DeKalb’s freshman goalie Yair de la Cruz, Suddeth’s shot managed to slip through, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Guilford maintained control of possession and, after a brief lull, netted four more goals, including strikes from Andrew Bachta, Edwin Hernandez, and Juan Martinez before halftime, pushing the score to a staggering 5-0.

First-year Guilford head coach Dave Bachta, who previously led Sycamore for 18 years, praised his team’s performance, noting their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite moments of inconsistency. “They’ve come in cycles like that where we’ve scored one, then we have a little bit of a lull, and then we have three in five minutes,” he explained.

As the second half unfolded, DeKalb attempted to regain momentum with some scoring opportunities but were consistently thwarted by Guilford’s defense. Lichamer reflected on the emotional toll this loss took on the team, especially coming off a high from their recent victories against Harlem and Freeport. “It’s hard on players mentally. So we need to show some toughness and bounce back,” he urged.

With three games remaining in the season, including a critical matchup against Auburn on Saturday, the Barbs need to regroup and refocus. They currently stand at 2-2 against teams from the NIC-10.

This match marked a significant moment for Coach Bachta, as it was his first return to DeKalb County as a head boys soccer coach since stepping down from Sycamore in 2021. “I really enjoy coaching against P.J. He’s so good,” Bachta remarked, highlighting the competitive camaraderie between the two coaches.

As the Barbs seek to recover from this devastating loss, fans will be watching closely to see if DeKalb can find their footing in the upcoming matches. The urgency to bounce back is palpable, and the pressure is on as the season progresses.