JV Boys Soccer - October 13

Jaguars Rally to Defeat Eagles 4-2
By Jesse Mann, SCCLC

After falling behind the Eagles for the first time this season, the Cooperative Junior Varsity Jaguars rallied to score four goals against the Christian Learning Center. But the hardy JV Eagles stubbornly fought the Jaguars every step of the way, and managed to maintain a steady offensive effort of their own throughout the match. An early penalty kick off a Jaguar hand ball provided Eagle forward Luke Phillips an irresistible scoring opportunity that put the Eagles in the lead 1-0. The Jaguars, however, would not be put down so easily. Less than a minute after the ball rolled into the corner of the Cooperative net, Jaguar Gabriel Romero roared through the Eagle defense and scored with a well placed shot that slid past the goalie. The match then became a relentless dribbling match during the remainder of the first half until Romero scored again at the start of the second, putting  the Jaguars ahead 2-1. Yet the Eagles refused to abandon their quest for victory, and pressed forward hard against the Cooperative defense. 

About ten minutes into the second half the Eagles were rewarded for their efforts when a shot on the Jaguar goal was fumbled by the Cooperative goalie. With the score tied once again, the match erupted into furious battle for possession of the ball as both teams sought desperately to score a winning goal. The Jaguars ended the stalemate when Romero once again launched the ball toward the Eagle net, causing it to bounce off a defender and into the goal. This lead was widened a few minutes later when another Jaguar offensive effort deposited the ball in the Eagle net. Although challenged fiercely by several last minute Eagle attempts on goal, the Jaguars’ two goal lead held firm, resulting in a 4-2 Cooperative victory. 

Griffins Achieve 2-1 Win Over Knights
By Oscar Prudencio, SCIS

     This game started without any problems or delays as both teams shook hands, eager to start. From the very beginning, Griffin forwards played very aggressively to try to score in the first few minutes. The Cambridge defense held strong, not wanting to let this happen so early in the game. The Knight defense managed the Griffins' quick attacks, forming a human wall in a matter of seconds. For a long period of time, nothing big happened between either team. The ball simply flew from one side of the court back to the other. It was clear though that as the game advanced, the Knights made more attempts to score than the Griffins, who simply tried to keep the ball off of their side of the court. It was SCIS forward, Danny Hanley that took the initiative for his team, scoring an outstanding first goal for the match, and giving the Griffins a 1-0 lead. The Knights began to push the Griffins back, and tried to score in order to achieve a tie game. But the Griffins under no circumstances were willing to give Cambridge that opportunity. The first half soon ended, with the Griffins ahead 1-0.

     As the second half started, the Griffins were eager to finish the match or perhaps score again. However, the Knights were just as eager to tie and gain the chance to win themselves. Both teams were under pressure from the crowds who gave a rather strong support (unlike in previous games). The Griffins began to be bombarded by Knight forwards, and soon the Griffin goalie gave in and the Knights were able to score a goal to tie the match. Obviously forward Danny Hanley of the Griffins wasn't happy about this, so he decided to immediately put the pressure back onto the Knight defense. He soon scored a second and final goal for the Griffins a couple of minutes before the end of the match. Both teams showed great skill and power, and Cambridge showed how quickly they can get back up from behind. However, the Griffins showed just how determined they are to get to the final, and hopefully face old time rival SCCS.