Kicks Against Cancer: Soccer teams play with purpose
Both Harker teams notched goals in the first half to gain early leads. Co-captain Claire Anderson scored off an assist from forward Heidi Lu (12) in the first 20 minutes to put the girls up 1-0. A counter-goal from the Regents tied the score 1-1 shortly after.
King’s Academy gained a lead on a highly contested penalty kick three minutes into the match. The boys tied at 1-1 when co-captain Ben Cha (12) assisted fellow co-captain Jack Yang (12) to score with seven minutes left in the first half. The ensuing goal from Ben off an assist from left wing Ryder Hewitt (9) put the Eagles up 2-1 with three minutes remaining in the first.
On the girls’ side, after the Regents’ quick answer to Claire’s goal, the Eagles failed to regain their momentum. Notre Dame scored two goals in the second half, and Harker eventually yielded the rainy match 1-3. Head Coach Joel Mthombeni commented on the impact of mindset on the match.
“We ended up conceding the goal, and it changed the game,” Mthombeni said. “From there, they were just dominant. They were winning all the balls, they were just a hungrier team. They had a better attitude, better mentality, and you know, that’s what happens.”
The boys also battled throughout the second half to sustain their lead. Despite a strong defensive effort, with multiple saves by goalkeeper and co-captain Dhruv Trivedi, King’s Academy scored with 11 minutes remaining in the match to close the game 2-2.
Ben reflected on the team’s persistent effort throughout the tight game.
“Once we got that first goal, for us, it sparked a new mindset,” Ben said. “We had a new mentality going forward, so that carried through all the way until our second goal. We had to keep our heads in the game. It was unfortunate that they scored on us a second time, but it’s alright. At the end of the day, I know I had fun playing.”
Although the matches did not go the Eagles’ way, Harker’s soccer teams made a meaningful impact throughout the week by raising funds for Camp Okizu. Whether by selling baked goods or partnering with a local Panda Express to donate proceeds, the Eagles’ efforts continued the legacy of a 14-year-old tradition for the school. Head of Middle School Evan Barth, whose daughter, Ashley Barth (’22), is a childhood cancer survivor and attended Camp Okizu, reflected on Harker’s impact through the initiative.
“It’s a fantastic cause,” Barth said. “Okizu is close to our family, and we love it. I’m proud that this tradition has continued.”
