Tuesday 3:15 pm, January 27, 2026 – Glendale Sports Complex
EF Academy came back from 3-0 halftime deficit to draw 3-3 against Chadwick in a dramatic home match. After a slow first half, EF Academy raised the intensity in the second half and played with more energy and teamwork.
The comeback was sparked by the first goal of the second half.
“After the first goal, a sense of hope rushed through the team” captain Benjamin Hovik said. “From that point on, we played much harder and more together as a team.”
Head coach Kaitlyn Sulaiman also felt the shift from the sideline. “Once we got the first goal, the energy on the field changed and the players started believing again,” she said.
Tactically, EF Academy adjusted by moving player Brian Liao into a deeper defensive role and making substitutions to bring fresh energy according to assistant coach Alex Mendoza. From the back, goalkeeper and captain Hao He Li helped keep the team organized.
“I stayed focused by not thinking about what already happened,” He Li said. “Communication from the goalkeeper and captains is very important to keep the team organized and motivated.”
Hovik scored two goals and Pedro Morelli added the third as EF Academy completed the comeback. The home side left everything on the field, showing resilience and belief despite the early deficit.