JV-A vs. Cy Ridge, March 4th

The JV-A Spartans controlled both ends of the field, securing a 2-0 victory over Cy Ridge with early goals and a strong defensive performance.

Stratford struck first when Taher Alkassem finished off a corner kick to put the Spartans ahead 1-0. At 6:00, Eduardo Cordero connected with Elias Morales, who found the net to extend the lead to 2-0. The defense, led by Braden Oliphant, George Veneralla, Brayan Guardado, Benton Byrd, and Zachary Parks, held strong throughout the half, limiting Cy Ridge's chances.

In the second half, Erich Cheng started in goal, making a key save at 31:14. Alkassem sparked an offensive push with a steal at 29:30, and Chris Rogers kept the momentum going with solid midfield play at 26:25. Solomon Alsaad (#26) entered at 23:35 and immediately took over in goal.

The Spartans continued creating chances, with Emiliano Ponce making a strong run at 23:07, and Samuel Garrido narrowly missing a 15-yard shot off the post at 19:03. Al-Mohammad broke free for a run at 17:49, but the Cy Ridge keeper made a tough stop. Stratford nearly added a third goal at 5:48, when Hudson Hennessey’s shot was blocked out for a corner by Byrd, but the header attempt was cleared.

Alsaad made two crucial saves at 7:40 and 4:25 to preserve the shutout, and in the closing moments, Hennessey sprinted 50 yards to push the ball into Cy Ridge territory. A final corner kick by Garrido at 0:40 set up a last-second shot, but it sailed just over the goal. With early offensive execution and disciplined defense, the Spartans secured a 2-0 shutout win and continued their strong run of form.

JV-A vs. Memorial, March 8th

The JV-A Spartans struck early and held strong defensively to secure a 2-1 win over Memorial.

Stratford controlled possession early, creating multiple scoring opportunities. At 26:00, Kevin Espinosa’s corner kick found Brayan Guardado, whose shot was knocked in by Taher Alkassem to put the Spartans up 1-0. Just minutes later, at 20:59, Espinosa buried a perfectly placed 15-yard free kick into the upper left corner, doubling the lead to 2-0. Stratford’s defense, led by Oliphant, Guardado, Al-Mohammad, and Benton Byrd, shut down Memorial’s attack, limiting their chances in the first half.

Memorial cut the deficit to 2-1 at 28:00, but Stratford’s defense held firm. Erich Cheng made a key save at 22:32. Before that, Garrido nearly added an insurance goal at 31:57, finding Elias Morales, but the play was ruled offsides.

The Spartans controlled possession in the closing minutes, with Byrd, Guardado, and Al-Mohammad working to keep the ball out of Memorial’s hands. A final defensive stand secured the 2-1 victory, as Stratford held on for a hard-fought win!