Varsity Boys Soccer slips by Chiefs, claim district title

in Game Coverage/Sports by
The Patriots pose with the team’s new hardware following their 1-0 victory at home. “Being a relatively new team, I was proud of the way the team stepped up and learned the lessons of the regular season,” Coach Goodman said. “They weren’t intimidated by the moment and their composure was on display for all in attendance.” (Photo/Karen Stearns twitter)

After cruising past Somerset Academy in the semi-finals, the varsity boys soccer team hosted first-seeded Cardinal Gibbons Friday night, Feb. 7 in search of the district championship crown.

Despite a slow start to the game for each side, the Patriots scored first on a successful penalty kick try from senior Miles Walters with 14:21 to go in the first half. Both squads held each other in check for the remainder of the match, resulting in Heritage securing the 1-0 victory.

“The key to [the] match was our ability to impose our will and to dictate how the match was going to be played,” head coach Todd Goodman said. “Our quick ball movement was vital and our commitment to defend secured the victory.”

The win represents the team’s eleventh of the year, but the Patriots will look to collect more as they continue on their path to the state title.

“[The victory] certainly gives us confidence as we advance in the playoffs,” Coach Goodman said. “Winning the District Championship is an accomplishment for the team, but just as importantly, we have now secured home-field advantage as we always have our eyes on the bigger State Championship trophy later down the road.”

Sammy Rosenthal is a senior at American Heritage School in Plantation Fla. and is entering his fourth year writing for the newsmagazine; his second year as the publication’s Sports Editor. Sammy takes pride in being a die-hard Miami Heat and Dolphins fan as well as dedicating his Sunday to watching football.