By Eric Poe/sports editor

The NW soccer season started out with a high-scoring affair Nov. 9 with Northside FC beating Free Agents 8-1.

Free Agents had only five players show up for their game, and Northside FC took full advantage of their two-man advantage. Northside FC played with an adventurous 2-1-3 formation, dominating possession along with the scoreline.

Free Agents, with their depleted numbers, had no choice but to play a defensive style, relying on any counterattacking opportunities that came up. There weren’t many of those, however, as Northside FC bombarded forward constantly, jumping to a 5-0 first-half lead.

Free Agents player Danny Corvera jumped in goal after Northside FC scored for the fifth time and made some impressive saves, getting down well on a couple shots and tipping a few shots over the bar, limiting the damage.

He was unable to spark his team’s offense, however, as many of its attacks broke down in the midfield.

“It was hard trying to find people to pass to,” Corvera said. “It seemed like all of our guys were double-covered.”

The two teams had scrimmaged the previous day with Free Agents coming out on top 5-4 when both teams were at full strength.

“We lost to them the day before,” Northside FC forward Javier Tafoya said. “They’re definitely missing some people today.”

Free Agents midfielder Emmanuel Salas said having all of their players would have made a difference in the game’s outcome.

“Hopefully, we get all of our guys back for the next game,” he said.

Northside FC played again Thursday, defeating DFW 8-3, moving into first place after the first round of games.