MAPLE PARK — Much like the rest of his Batavia teammates, junior Connor Verde was ready for a win.

Entering Thursday’s game against Kaneland , the Bulldogs had been held winless for 28 straight games, including 22 straight losses. Their last victory came on Sept. 28, 2023 with a 2-0 win over Wheaton Warrenville South.

So when the Knights erased their 2-0 advantage with goals in the 36th and 45th minute, the Bulldogs got a little nervous that their chance to get in the win column was slipping away.

But those nerves went away for Verde when a throw-in from 15 yards out in the 49th minute fell right at his feet.

“The ball bounced out and I just told my teammate to leave it,” Verde said. “And I just ripped it into the top of the box.”

Verde’s second goal of the game proved to be the d

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