Masuk Free Press

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Masuk Unified Sports team participated in a competitive soccer match against their Joel Barlow equivalents in the David Strong Gymnasium at Masuk High School at around 3:00pm.

    The athletes and partners were joined by the cheer team who came down to support them.

    Pre-game, the team assembled , practiced, and then warmed up. The warm ups were led by captains Thomas Kremin and Manuela Faria. The team has been having a great season thus far, and the captains and players can all feel that sense of excitement before the game.

“It has been a great start for us,” said Faria. Kremin and Faria have been long-time members of the team, but even less seasoned individuals are having great experiences.

“It’s pretty good, I’ve only been a part of the team for two practices now, but it’s really fun,” said senior Emma Sheppard. “And it’s a good experience for the athletes and I just think everyone involved.”

    During the game, there were lots of goals scored by both teams, but Masuk ended as the winners by a solid margin, and scorers included both Faria and Kremin. The goalies on both sides made great saves and there were awesome plays by the rest of the members of the two teams throughout the game.

     All players participated and made the game all the better with their teamwork and positive attitudes. It was great to watch as teams demonstrated their soccer skills and their enthusiasm to play.

    After the game, the teams met in the middle of the basketball court where they played and were praised for by Masuk’s Coach Donald Casey and Barlow Head Coach (and Monroe resident) Dr. Mario Almeida.

    They highlighted the team’s excellent play and great sportsmanship. The students were all awarded medals, and the event ended with friendship handshakes and a pizza party. 

    Masuk Head Coach Mr. Casey said, “We are so proud of every student on both teams. Students were safe, had fun, and supportive of each other. We had so much fun with Dr. Almeida and the Barlow Unified Sports team.”

   The two teams will be meeting again, this time at Joel Barlow, for their Unified Homecoming Dance. This will be Barlow’s second annual Unified Homecoming dance, and it will take place on November 21. “We can’t wait to go,” said Casey.

   Make sure to try to get out there and support the team through the rest of their soccer season and through the rest of the year!