Varsity Boys Soccer (1-2-1) continued their run for the playoffs in district play last week with their first games against fellow Spring Branch schools.

vs. Northbrook

Wednesday night on the coldest night yet of the season, the Spartans travelled to Northbrook Stadium to take on the Raiders. Northbrook started out on the offensive with two early shots.

But the Spartans got on the board first. In the 5th minute, Jacob Smith pressured the goalie. As the defense had passed back to the goal, Smith blocked the keepers out pass, took the ball down the left side, and centered to Fabu Ndayishimiye, who put the ball in the back of the net. SHS 1-0.

The lead was short-lived however, as Northbrook, a minute later, quickly countered on a long, 40-yd set-piece to tie it up. 1-1

SHS almost was able to take back the lead just a few minutes later. Yuto Komiya stole a Northbrook pass and connected to Hanno Waguespack on the right sideline. Hanno dribbled through three midfielders and attempted a through-pass to Fabu, but it fell just short, and Fabu was not able to get a clean shot through the defenders.

Adversity struck our Spartans early on. When one of our defenders left a back pass to the keeper a bit short, a Northbrook forward stole the ball and had a one-on-one with Juan Ugalde. Juan came out strong to challenge the forward and made a little too much contact for the referee’s liking. Juan was issued a red card, and the Spartans had to play down one man the remainder of the contest. Giancarlo Chelala came in to take over the goalie responsibility.

Stratford responded brilliantly with several goal opportunities, often maintaining possession for long periods even without a 10th field player. On a pass intercepted by defender Tarken Rendle, the Spartans put together a very nice play. Tarken connected to Thomas Dimareli, with a one-touch to Fabu, who took two steps and crossed to Hanno. Hanno blasted a shot to the upper right that was just blocked away by the keeper.

Even with all the opportunities, the Spartans could not get on the board. In the 20th minute, Northbrook took the lead after the Spartan defense could not get a good clearout, and a Northbrook striker took advantage. Halftime, Northbrook up 2-1.

The second half brought more adversity to the Spartans. Early on, Jacob Smith unfortunately went down with a knee injury and would not return. Spartans still down a man from the early red card and now without a starter due to injury.

Yet, Stratford continued to earn themselves opportunities in spite of the obvious bad fortune, with notable good plays and shots from Jasper Hartman, Hanno, Yuto, and Tarken. Then, with only two minutes left to play, Hanno took a corner in from the left side and found Yuto at the front post with a header to equalize, 2-2. And that score would remain to be the final.

vs. Spring Woods

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Stratford took on Spring Woods for a home game and the first of the season at Tully Stadium. Stratford and Spring Woods started this game as fourth and fifth, respectively, in District play, so this was a critical one for the Spartans.

Spring Woods made an aggressive start and were rewarded by opening the scoring in the 7th minute. 1-0 Tigers.

The Spartans responded and less than 6 minutes later, on a left side corner from Hanno Waguespack, Fabu Ndayishimiye found the back of the net. 1-1

SHS made several attempts, with several corners and shots by Jerry Garcia, Fabu, and Thomas Dimareli, but could not get on the board and went into halftime, 1-1.

As has been a recurring theme this season, the Spartans put themselves in a position to make some goals, but could not connect. Notable opportunities were from set pieces by Zayn Tippit and Yuto Komiya, but the shots were just not on target. At the 15th minute, after what appeared to be a handball in the box by SWHS (but no call was given), Yuto took a hard shot that went just wide right.

Unfortunately, SWHS capitalized on some confusion in the Spartan defending position and went up 2-1 in the 28th minute. The Tigers aptly defended their lead to win the game.

Though we did not get a win this week, the race for playoffs is still absolutely in reach as the playing field is quite level; we just need to capitalize on the good opportunities that we have respectfully earned.

Next week, the Spartans have two CRITICAL games as we travel to take on Cy Ridge on Tuesday night (2/7) and HOST MEMORIAL AT TULLY STADIUM on Friday night (2/10). Cy Ridge and Memorial are neck and neck for a two-way tie for 2nd in District, and with our loss to Spring Woods, it is imperative we have a good showing! AND IT'S MEMORIAL, so we need all our Stratford Nation support!!