Our JV-A Boys Soccer Team commenced District in stellar fashion, fighting steady rain while winning the first two District games this week to begin the season at the top of the table in District with victories over Cy Fair at home on Tuesday night and on the road at Cy Creek on Friday.

1.23.24 JV-A Stratford vs. Cy Fair

The game began on the wet side with some rain and the field with a lot of water accumulated. We started with a lot of pressure from our opponent, at minute 2 when our keeper Pablo Reyes punched away the ball in a very dangerous corner kick. The Bobcats maintained pressure and put a goal on the scoreboard at minute 14 to lead the Spartans 1-0. A few minutes later in a dangerous play,  again Pablo Reyes was able to clear the ball just outside the small area. However, as the rain continued to come down, our Spartans started to react and opportunities started to come our way. After several plays, Bernardo Sanchez scored on an assist from Fardin Ansari to tie the game 1-1 before halftime.

With the rain fading in the second half, the Spartans turned the tide, controlling possession for most of the second half. At minute 13, the Spartans went up 2-1 on a nice shot by Nicolas Velarde. With the advantage and after a foul in the penalty area, we converted on the penalty shot for the final goal of the game, securing the 3-1 win over Cy Fair in the first District game of the season.

1.26.24 JV-A Stratford vs. Cy Creek

JV-A Boys Soccer played at Cy Creek on a stormy Friday night that resulted in the game being suspended due to lighting late in the game.

The game started with a first-minute goal from Fardin Ansari with a right-footed shot from inside the penalty box. Short possessions from both teams were the theme of most of the first half. The Cougars had several nice chances, but all three shots were saved by Pablo Reyes. Strong overall defensive effort helped to contain the Cougars’ continuous attacks.

The second half got off to an exciting start as the Spartans had two back-to-back shots from Bernardo Sanchez and Santiago Deaquiz, but the Cougars’ goalie was able to save them. Stratford’s second goal came on a corner kick from Santiago Deaquiz, which Fardin Ansari headed into the net. Moments later, the Cougars’ team was left with ten players as its last defender on a play was ejected after earning a red card on a hard foul. The ensuing direct kick was taken by Fardin Ansari and just missed another goal, as it hit the crossbar.

Playing one man down energized Cy Creek as they increased pressure on the Spartans midfield and defense, culminating in a beautiful goal by the Cougars’ No. 7, blasting a shot into the upper left corner.

The Spartans would score their third and final goal to secure a 3-1 victory with seven minutes left on a great counter-attack by Fardin Ansari, who passed the ball to Bernardo Sanchez, who blasted a shot into the net. This would be the final play as game was stopped due to lightning.

The game’s most outstanding players were Fardin Ansari, with two goals, Bernardo Sanchez with one goal, and Pablo Reyes with multiple saves.