Elizabeth Zhang

Forward Alexander Maxim (10) attempts to intercept a pass between Trojan midfielders. Alexander helped created key scoring opportunities for Harker in the first half of the game.

Junior varsity boys soccer came up short against Milpitas High School on Friday. 

After Harker kicked off the game, they struggled to maintain possession of the ball. The Trojans repeatedly brought the ball to the Eagles’ side of the field, with goalkeeper Michael Chinkov (10) blocking several close shots. 

As a Trojan attacker closed in on the goal, Michael rushed off his line to make a tackle and committed a foul, resulting in a penalty kick. Milpitas scored and brought the score to 1-0 fifteen minutes into the game. The Trojans capitalized on their momentum to push more fiercely against the Eagles’ defense. They continued making long passes across the field to create scoring opportunities. 

Forward Neel Kumar (11) intercepted a long pass intended for the Trojan defenders and took a shot that the goalkeeper caught. Soon after, Trojan defenders accidentally made an opening for forward Colin Campbell (10), whose shot was blocked by the goalie.

After a long stretch of exchanging possession between the Trojans and the Eagles, team captain and forward Alexander Maxim (10) dribbled past the Trojan midfielders before passing to winger David Kelly (11), who nearly scored before a Trojan defender stole the ball. Trojan midfielders strung together passes to bypass the Eagles’ midfield and scored once more, ending the first half 2-0. 

Varsity boys goalkeeper and spectator Cameron Jones (11) discussed key highlights from Harker’s performance despite the score in the first half of the game. 

“I think the score isn’t reflecting the game,” he said. “Our goalkeeper has been playing outstanding, even if a couple of unfortunate plays didn’t go his way. It’s a pretty new squad, so they just need to keep playing together and improving.”

Harker started the second half with strong offense as midfielders and defenders moved up the field to  facilitate more chances to shoot. However, Harker’s high line left Michael vulnerable, and Milpitas took this opportunity to shoot from across the field. Defender Angus Wang (10) competed with a Trojan to clear the ball but accidentally scored an own goal, bringing the score to 3-0.

Forward Ossi Carrico (10) reflected on aspects the team struggled with during the game that lost them both points and opportunities to score. 

“Defensively, we looked a little anxious and out of control,” Ossi said. “Offensively, we weren’t moving the ball around. It’ll be an experience to learn from.”

With 11 minutes left on the clock, the Trojans turned up the aggression and repeatedly attempted to score. Michael narrowly caught a shot Milpitas launched towards the upper left corner of the goal, and Angus slidetackled a Trojan on another drive. Milpitas eventually broke through the Eagles’ defense with a corner kick that extended their lead to 4-0.

Alexander dribbled the ball across the field and slipped passes in behind to Neel, but their advances were blocked by the goalkeeper. After Michael blocked another shot, the ball bounced out of his hand, allowing the Trojans to convert the rebound, closing the game 5-0. 

From his analysis of the second half of the game, Head Coach Dominic Hertz discussed how the team could improve and adapt to the playing styles of their opponents.

“Towards the end of the game, we started preparing to defend for the running game,” Hertz said. “Moving forward, we just have to start how we end it, moving the ball and keeping it, making the opposition chase.” 

The JV boys soccer team holds a 0-5 record and will play Silver Creek High School in a home game tomorrow.