vs. Cy Ridge, March 4th

Stratford Boys Varsity put up a strong fight against Cy Ridge but was unable to find the back of the net, ultimately falling 0-2 in a match that featured key defensive plays and several missed opportunities.

First Half: Tight Defense and Missed Chances

Both teams started with early attacking pressure. Cy Ridge tested Stratford’s defense in the 8th and 10th minutes, but goalkeeper Davis Cooper made key stops to keep the game level. Fardin Ansari had a great chance in the 12th minute on a breakaway, but the Cy Ridge goalkeeper came up with a big save to deny the opening goal. Stratford created several scoring opportunities, including an 18th-minute free kick from Oliver Burdick, which was well-struck but saved. In the 23rd minute, Ryan Gifford made a crucial goal-line clearance, preventing Cy Ridge from taking the lead. Jonah Yim sent in a well-placed cross to Ansari moments later, but again, the Cy Ridge goalkeeper was up to the task. Just before halftime, Cy Ridge sent a dangerous through-ball behind the defense, but Cooper came off his line quickly, sliding in to make the stop and keep the game tied 0-0 at the break.

Second Half: Cy Ridge Capitalizes

Stratford opened the second half on the attack, with Ansari sending in an early cross, but Cy Ridge responded quickly. Just four minutes into the half, a header off a corner kick found the net, putting Cy Ridge up 1-0. Stratford fought back, creating chances in the 12th and 15th minutes, including a diving save from Cooper to block a long-range shot, followed by a reflex save on the rebound to keep the deficit at one. A red card left Stratford down a player, making the push for an equalizer even tougher. In the 20th minute, Burdick nearly tied the game with a strong header off a cross, but the Cy Ridge goalkeeper made a fingertip save.

Late Push and Second Goal for Cy Ridge

Cy Ridge doubled their lead in the 23rd minute after an initial save by Cooper rebounded to an opposing player, who finished into the side netting. Stratford continued pressing, with Ricky Estrada setting up Nick Velarde for a shot in the 35th minute, but the Cy Ridge goalkeeper made another save. In the final moments of the match, Cy Ridge had one more breakaway, but Cooper came up with a final kick save to deny them.

Final Score: Stratford 0 - 2 Cy Ridge

Despite the loss, Stratford showed determination throughout the match, with strong defensive performances and key saves. The team created multiple chances but was unable to convert, and they’ll look to build on their effort as they prepare for the next match.

vs. Memorial, March 7th

First half: The Mustangs dominated the possession during the first 6 minutes, taking three shots at goal, all saved by Davis Cooper.

• Min. 7: Shot taken by Hanno Waguespack that went wide.
• Min. 9: Bicycle shot by Theo Bigirimana that went over the goal.
• Min. 14: Good play between several players leading to a cross from Oliver Burdick to Julio Garcia, but shot went wide.
• Min. 19: Garcia shot from far distance to the center of Mustangs’ goal, but it was saved by goalkeeper.
• Min. 20: Mustangs scored (0-1) from short distance to left post.
• Min. 22: Shot wide from Spartans.
• Min. 23: Shot by Garcia from up close to the center of Mustangs' goal, but it was saved by the goalkeeper.
• Min. 25: Good pass from Hanno to Burdick, but his shot went shot wide.
• Min. 31: Good chance from Nicholas Velarde, but his header from up close went wide.
• Min. 32: Soft shot by Memorial saved by Cooper.

It was an entertaining first half with chances by both teams, but Memorial was able to score a goal while the Spartans missed good chances to score.

Second half:

• Min. 11: Velarde's shot was blocked by Memorial’s defender close to the goal.
• Min. 13: Good cross by Theo, but goalie was able to intercept it.
• Min. 16: Good shot from far distance by Dawson Burgett that went wide.
• Min. 17: Goal by Burdick with a direct kick to left post. Beautiful execution, unstoppable.
• Min. 22: Good block by Theo.
• Min. 24: Great attack and ball movement by multiple Spartan players, with Velarde taking a shot that was deflected by the Mustangs’ goalkeeper.
• Min. 29: Pass by Hanno to Burdick, but Burdick's shot went high.
• Min. 31: Good stop by Velarde, preventing a dangerous attack by the Mustangs.
• Min. 38: Good pass from Velarde to Burdick but could not convert.
• Min. 39: Penalty awarded to Memorial. Cooper prevented the goal with a great save.
• Min. 40: Great cross by Burdick, but the Mustangs' keeper deflected it, and Fardin could not get a shot.

The Varsity Spartans deserved a win in their last game of the season but could not convert their many chances. But they fought hard, defended well, and moved the ball well in the second half, not allowing the Mustangs to create many scoring chances.