The boys’ soccer team has seemed dominant thus far despite graduating several key players. The hours spent perfecting their craft this offseason has payed off so far.
Even though the Patriots lost 10 players from last year, they have been able to replace their graduates. The boys lost Cristobal Corovolan, the Patriots star player, who graduated and took his talents to York College. They also lost Taylor Noble, Al Mirzania, Borna Afaziali and David Yazadani. However, the team has added key players like junior Josh Messite, Ryan Ullman, and Nicky Youssef. Seniors Alex Bellot, Benson Child, Sean Ainloo and Bryce Gross have stepped up big to help carry this team to the playoffs.
The Patriots lost to rival Churchill, 1-0 on Sept. 13. The boys’ were shut out and missed out on several chances to tie the game. “We played so bad. They were not better than us we just missed out on a lot of chances,” senior defensemen Victor De Avila said.
The Patriots lost to the number sixth team in the nation, Dematha, 4-1. Junior Arshaan Sunda scored the lone goal for the Pats early in the second half making the score 3-1 and giving the Patriots a small glimpse of hope. “It was the mixture of their speed and us having a small team so we could not substitute enough in the heat,” senior Bellot said.
On Sept. 6, senior attack Benson Child lead the Patriots to a comfortable win, 4-1, versus Richard Montgomery. Child racked up the first point for the boys early in the game after a pass from senior forward Alex Bellot saw the back of the net. Child did not stop there and scored the next two goals, putting the Patriots up 3-0. Bellot than topped off the scoring with a goal late in the game, which helped seal the win, 4-1.
On the evening of Sept. 3, the Patriots hosted the BCC Barons for a matchup.
The game was a part of the Wootton Invitational Tournament and the two teams tied 1-1. Senior center Sean Ainloo assisted Child on a score for the Patriots. The Trojans answered back late to tie it up. “Everyone knows how painful a tie is, especially one that went into double overtime. It’s okay though, it’s better than a loss,” senior Victor De Avila said.
Although the boys were disappointed with a tie, they have still not been beaten on the season and hope to continue that streak.
Earlier that day, the Patriots smoked North Harford 9-1. “This game was key for us. You don’t always get to score nine goals in a game so it gave us a lot of confidence,” Child said.
Child scored three goals and was responsible for the assists on another two. Bellot trailed Child by claiming responsibility for four points, two goals and two assist. Senior attack Gleb McKay assisted two goals as well as scoring one of his own.

Dean Spitz

Sports Editor