Brandywine boys soccer player Brady Duval had a sore right leg after a match Thursday against Granger Christian.

Understandable, considering what Duval accomplished in a short period of time in that contest.

The junior forward recorded a hat trick over the final 8:44 as the Bobcats erased a 2-0 deficit and won 3-2.

“We were down 2-0 and I just wanted to push and help us win,” said Duval, who recorded his first-ever three-goal game. “We just have to keep it going and have some momentum going into districts.”

Duval, who improved his goal total to 12, had six shots in the match.

“He’s really come on,” said Brandywine boys soccer coach Evan Winkler. “I thought early in the match he could have scored some goals, but his touches came too far up in front of him.

“In all three of his goals he had a great first touch and that got him going. He put some goals in under pressure with 10 minutes left and it’s not easy to finish. It says a lot about him. I think he has the potential to score more and more every game because he keeps getting better and he’s so fast and skilled.”

Dealing with failure hasn’t been easy for Duval, who has been a three-year starter on the varsity. His coach has preached to him to stay aggressive.

“He’s hard on himself because he wants to score every time he shoots,” Winkler said. “I stay on him that he’ll score the next time. I want him to keep shooting. It’s like a 3-point shooter in basketball. If they miss you tell them to keep shooting.”

Duval has learned to adjust to a new schedule at the start of the school year. Along with participating on the soccer team, Duval is a kicker on the football team. Duval played football when he was younger, but stopped playing the sport during his freshman year of high school so he could concentrate on soccer.

“They just needed a kicker and my dad (Jason) helps coach the football team and he asked me if I wanted to kick for them,” Duval said.

“It’s been challenging with school and stuff, but I’ve been able to manage it. Soccer is my top priority.”

Academics are also a top priority for Duval as he owns a 3.8 grade-point average.

“I don’t think it hurt him at all,” Winkler said about Duval playing football. “I still think he’s played pretty good for us and he’s surprised me with his leadership this year. He’s grown a lot and matured.”

Winkler made Duval a team captain this year, along with Justin Williamson, Michael Okayama, Wyatt Eager and Bret Jacobs.

“I just have a passion for the game of soccer,” Duval said.
“I love it.”