Eagle Era

Despite a strong effort, the soccer team was defeated in its first league game of the season

By Shiv Gurjar

Spotlight/Web Editor

On December 11th, the varsity boys’ soccer team lost 1-0 in a close game against Kennedy HS in its first league match of the year. 

Despite entering league play after three preseason games and weeks of focused practice, the Eagles conceded an early goal and spent the remainder of the match fighting to recover. While AHS struggled to find scoring opportunities, the game marked growing team chemistry and a notably high defensive performance. 

Even with their preseason record of 1-1-1, head coach Julian Barreraso said that the games helped build teamwork and test different strategies. “We were able to see different players, different techniques, and different looks from each game. From the coaching side, it was easier to see where the pieces fit.”

As players prepared for their match ahead, they worked on drills, passing the balls to teammates, and running in sprints (Photo Credit: Shiv Gurjar (12)).

Within the first couple of minutes of the game, Kennedy HS capitalized on an early opening—with the Eagles starting slowly—and scored a goal, setting a tense atmosphere for the rest of the match. The Eagles were forced into a chase, working to regain momentum while maintaining a high defensive line.

Players moved back and forth across the field, with several throw-ins and corner-kicks from the Eagles, but a deadlock remained as neither team could break through the other team’s defense. To gain an edge, Kennedy HS took advantage of its physicality, attempting to slow down AHS and block potential shots on its goal. 

However, going into the game, the Eagles expected and prepared for the rough play. “We knew from previous years that they play very physically and like to foul,” said Barreraso. “So we used that to our advantage, and we told our players to foul and go down if they felt anything.” Many of Kennedy’s attacks were given the yellow card by the referee, shifting the play into the Eagles’ possession. 

As AHS made its way into the second half, tensions rose as both teams battled to score another goal. The Eagles fought hard for the ball—each miss from Kennedy acting as a potential opening. Kennedy rarely broke through, but when they did, AHS worked quickly to contain the ball. 

Isaak Johnson (12), the starting attacker, said, “I was just thinking of how we could create chances, so I was trying to push my teammates to continue to work hard. We wanted to score, get up the field, and put up a goal.”

The last 5 minutes were the most tense. As players yelled “tie it up” to motivate their teammates, AHS created openings, broke through Kennedy’s defense, and came close to shots on the goal. Yet, the Eagles were unable to score a goal, and Kennedy won the match. 

“Even though we’re a new team and don’t have full chemistry yet, our intensity has been good. Everyone’s giving 100 percent,” said Kush Rathor (12), a midfielder. “Our cohesiveness is coming along well as we play more games.”

“Our defense really stepped it up today. They only allowed one goal, and that came off one mistake. Other than that, they shut them down,” said Barreraso. 

The coaches plan to use the game as a learning point for what to change next. As the season progresses, they want to focus on building an offensive identity and improving the attacking transition when approaching the opponent’s side.