1.31.24 JV-A Boys Stratford vs. Northbrook

The Raiders started controlling the ball in the middle of the field; but not being able to get close to the goal, they started shooting from outside of the small area. They had at least 3 opportunities that were controlled by keeper Pablo Reyes. Realizing that shooting from outside was not a good option, the Raiders started passing more and getting closer to the Spartans' goal; fortunately our defense, led by center back Johan Yim, was able to contain the tide. As time passed, the Spartans started getting more comfortable in the field and at minute 27 with a precise assist from Bernardo Sanchez and a nice finish by Fardin Ansari, we scored our first goal (Spartans 1 – Raiders 0). At minute 32 with an assist from midfielder Theo Bigirimana, Fardin Ansari scored again to make it Spartans 2 – Raiders 0. This score held heading into halftime.

For the second half, Northbrook again came out strong, controlling the ball in the middle of the field and at minute 3, they scored their first goal in a well-executed free shot that went over our defensive wall (Spartans 2- Raiders 1). When it seemed that Northbrook was regaining their confidence at minute 7, Fardin Ansari scored once again to complete the hat trick on an assist by Bernardo Sanchez (Spartans 3- Raiders 1). Northbrook continued to control most of the rest of the half, while the Spartans relied on sporadic counter attacks. At minute 18, there was one remarkable save by Pablo Reyes, rushing out of the goal to cut the Raider striker who had left everyone else behind. The Spartans won the game 3-1.

Incredible work from our Spartan defense that was able to control a very strong team. And superb job of the midfielders and striker that were able to score in the few opportunities given by the opponent, leaving the JV-A Spartans undefeated in District play.

2.3.24 JV-A Boys Stratford vs. Spring Woods

Our JV-A Boys made the short trip to Spring Woods on Saturday for a battle between the unbeatens in District 17-6A. Coming in to the late morning match under overcast, cool, and breezy conditions, the Spartans owned a perfect record of 3-0-0 in District play with victories over Cy Fair, Cy Creek, and Northbrook. Spring Woods had an identical record of 3-0-0 and a goal differential almost identical to ours as well. With two of our key playmakers moved up to help a short-handed Varsity team on the day, the challenge of defeating the talented Tiger squad became more difficult. However, it was certainly not out of reach with this bunch.

The Spartans didn’t waste any time creating opportunities, and the Tigers were put on their heels by an attacking Spartan squad very early in the match. Just one minute in, forward Kevin Espinosa headed the ball to forward Fardin Ansari in front of the goal, and Ansari narrowly missed scoring with his header that hit the crossbar.

Less than eight minutes later, the Spartans struck pay dirt when Espinosa controlled a well-executed throw-in and passed a perfect ball to Ansari on the left side of the box. Ansari took a light touch and made a beautiful strike into the back of the net to make it 1- 0 Spartans. Ansari has been on an absolute tear in District competition, netting seven goals already with this early one against Spring Woods.

The Spartans were successful in getting the ball down the field and creating opportunities during much of the first half thanks to solid midfield play from Ayden Zuniga, Aaron Castellon, Theo Bigirimana, Miles Burdick, Sergio Andrade, Ian Rogers, and Carlos Mendez.

The persistent team effort paid off again midway into the first half when defender Jonah Yim launched a bullet of a long-ball that bounced off the goalkeeper’s hands and created a melee in front of the goal. Defender Andrew Lumpkin was there for a poke that ricocheted off the keeper again, and Theo Bigirimana was in the right place to stab it home from close range, 2 - 0 Spartans.

For much of the remainder of the first half, the Tigers and their lightning-quick midfielders and forwards made things difficult for our defense. However, the Spartans dug in with a lot of fight and held it together pretty well. Spartan Goalkeeper Pablo Reyes had several outstanding saves that kept the Tigers off the board, and our defensive crew of Andrew Lumpkin, Jonah Yim, Carson Rushing, and Braden Oliphant thwarted multiple attacks and drew the Tigers offsides on several occasions.

With 5:20 remaining in the first half, the Spartans’ lost their clean sheet when Spring Woods connected on a corner kick that was headed into our goal with force, making it 2 -1. That late goal fired up the Tigers as the first half wound down, and the momentum seemed to be shifting a bit in their favor.

The Tigers struck again just six minutes into the second half on a perfectly executed cross that resulted in a ferocious one-touch finish. The nifty assist from the Tigers’ forward was an impressive display of technical skill as he danced and weaved his way around our defenders in the process, 2 - 2.

The Spartans struggled to make much happen offensively throughout the second half and our defense was under attack from the opening whistle. Goalkeeper Reyes made several nice saves and our defense plugged as many holes as they could before Spring Woods scored again with11:20 remaining, 2 - 3.

The Spartans never gave up and had several nice combinations from the back to the front to keep their chances alive. Midfielder Rogers launched a nice header toward the goal with eight minutes remaining, but the Spring Woods goalkeeper made the save.

As the final minute of the game ticked away, the Spartans were awarded a free kick just inside midfield. Defender Yim sprinted up to the ball with six seconds left and fired a long floater into the box. A whole host of Spartans were on the spot with the hope of putting their head on the ball or snagging a deflection, but the ball arrived just within reach of the goalkeeper and it was secured away as time expired.

FINAL SCORE: Spring Woods 3 - Stratford 2.