02.20.2024 JV-A Stratford vs. Cy Creek

It was a perfect day for soccer at Tully Stadium. We were eager to close the gap to first place with Spring Woods in the JV-A league as we welcomed the Cy Creek Cougars. A special thanks to the fifth graders from Sherwood Elementary for their visit!

Regrettably, the game started with Cy Creek launching a strong attack. The Cougars scored at the 6th minute, capitalizing on a save from our keeper, Pablo Reyes, which unfortunately lingered in the small area before our defense could clear it (Stratford 0 – Cy Creek 1). Shaking off the early setback, our Spartans began to control the game more and more. We achieved parity at the 11th minute when our forward, Bernardo Sanchez, scored with a header from a cross by Kevin Espinoza (Stratford 1 – Cy Creek 1). From then on, we saw a game dominated by our Spartans. We had several scoring opportunities, especially a remarkable self-assisted shot by Aaron Castellon that hit the top post.

The second half continued to be controlled by our Spartans, with several shots on goal by Espinoza, Castellon, and Velarde. Jonah Yim had an incredible game, taking charge in the midfield, a change from his usual calming presence as a center back. Unfortunately, we could not put the game winner in, resulting in a 1-1 tie.

* Submitted by Juan Reyes

02.23.2024 JV-A Stratford vs. Northbrook

Spartan JV-A Boys Soccer Team managed to beat Northbrook 3-2 Friday night in a thriller.

The first half started with an early goal from Northbrook with a nice assist from midfield that left Northbrook’s forward alone against Pablo Reyes and he was able to convert. (Stratford 0 – Northbrook 1)

Fardin Ansari assisted Ayden Zuniga two minutes later with a powerful shot to the right corner to tie the game (Stratford 1 – Northbrook 1). Bernardo Sanchez scored on the 11th minute after several unsuccessful attempts from Northbrook’s defense to get the ball out of the area. (Stratford 2 – Northbrook 1)

The Spartans' third and final goal on the 20th minute originated from Jonah Kim’s advance into enemy territory, assisting Fardin Ansari, who was able to shoot over the Northbrook goalie from long-distance and convert. (Stratford 3 – Northbrook 1) The last ten minutes of the first half were uneventful, with many turnovers from both teams and Stratford sustaining a 3-1 lead.

The Spartans were in control in the second half until Northbrook scored its second goal in the 11th minute. (Stratford 3 – Northbrook 2) The goal energized Northbrook and they started to attack more frequently, but Pablo Reyes saved several shots inside the area. Northbrook fell into offsides frequently throughout the game, preventing them from creating more dangerous chances. There was good defensive effort from the Spartans in the last fifteen minutes to prevent Northbrook from tying the game. Northbrook had a great chance to tie the game in the last minute, but their player’s shot from close-range was saved by Pablo Reyes to the relief of all Spartan players and fans. The Spartans secured the victory 3-2.

* Submitted by Richi Velarde