vs. Memorial

Stratford put up a strong fight against a tough Memorial squad, but despite an early lead, they were unable to hold off the opposition, falling 1-4 in a competitive match.

The game started in Stratford’s favor as Hanno Waguespack delivered a perfectly weighted through-ball to Oliver Burdick, who whipped in a precise cross to Theo Bigirimana. Bigirimana calmly slotted it home in the 8th minute, giving Stratford an early 1-0 advantage.

However, Memorial quickly responded. In the 10th minute. A handball in the box led to a penalty, which Memorial converted to level the score at 1-1. Memorial continued pressing forward, narrowly missing a pair of chances in the 12th and 13th minutes. Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when a well-placed corner found its mark, putting Memorial ahead 1-2.

Stratford looked for an equalizer, with Bigirimana nearly scoring again in the 23rd minute off a great cross from Burdick. Goalkeeper Davis Cooper came up big in the 24th minute with a crucial save to keep the game within reach. Waguespack later tested the Memorial keeper with a powerful running shot in the 31st minute, but it was denied.

Just before halftime, Stratford suffered an unlucky break. In the final 30 seconds of the half, a Memorial cross found a header that deflected off a Stratford defender and into the net, extending Memorial’s lead to 1-3 at the break.

The second half saw Stratford continue to battle, with the defense holding firm against Memorial’s attacking pressure. However, in the 9th minute, Memorial broke through again with a well-timed through-ball and finish, making it 1-4. Stratford pushed to find another goal, with Burdick coming close in the final minutes, but his shot clipped just wide of the post.

Despite the loss, Stratford showed resilience and determination throughout the match. The team will look to bounce back stronger on Friday against Cy Creek.

Final Score: Stratford 1 - Memorial 4

vs. Cy Creek

In an intense matchup, Stratford overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Cypress Creek 3-1 with a strong second-half performance.

Cypress Creek came out aggressive, nearly scoring just four minutes into the game when their striker sent a shot just right of the goal. Stratford goalkeeper Davis Cooper was active early, making crucial saves, including a fingertip deflection over the crossbar after a deep shot in the 7th minute. Cooper continued his solid performance, catching a deflected shot moments later and denying a 22nd-minute strike on goal.

Stratford had its chances in the first half as well, with Nick Velarde coming close in the 16th minute, but his shot went just left of the post. Cypress Creek finally broke through in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick to take a 0-1 lead into halftime.

Seven minutes into the second half, Stratford answered back. Tarkan Rendle assisted Honno Waguespack, who struck a ball past the Cypress Creek goalkeeper from the top of the box to even the score at 1-1. Just two minutes later, Rendle was fouled outside the box, earning a yellow card for the opposing defender. Oliver Burdick’s ensuing free kick found Nick Velarde on the rebound, but Cypress Creek’s goalkeeper made the save.

Stratford kept the pressure on, and in the 18th minute, Dawson Burgett sent a long ball to Fardine Ansari, who skillfully dribbled around both a defender and the goalkeeper before finishing for Stratford’s second goal of the night. Cypress Creek responded with a dangerous free kick, but Cooper once again tapped the ball over the crossbar to preserve the lead. Stratford nearly extended their advantage in the 24th minute when Waguespack sent in a precise cross that just missed a teammate’s head.

The final blow came when Santiago Deaquiz broke through the defense and delivered a perfect pass to Oliver Burdick, whose shot ricocheted off the crossbar. Fardine Ansari was in the right place at the right time, tucking away the rebound to seal a 3-1 Stratford victory.

With strong defensive plays, clutch saves, and a dominant second half, Stratford turned the game around to secure an impressive win.