More history for Spartans, but more heartache as well

Since Hector Alex Navarrete took over the John Adams soccer program, the team has been establishing new levels of excellence. Last year, they reached the PSAL Class B semifinals and this year it was the championship game, both feats never achieved in the history of the Ozone Park school.
However, with success and playoff victories come raised expectations and hopes. Therefore, after falling to fourth-seeded A.P. Randolph (15-1) to a second round of penalty kicks, there was no hiding the disappointment for Navarrete and his players in their 2-1 loss at Randall's Island.
&#8220We keep making history, but we got to make it happen,” the coach said of winning the whole thing. &#8220That's about it. It's always frustrating when you have it there.”
Freshman Jahmai Fraser beat John Adams' keeper Daniel Nieto for the game-winner in the last round of penalty shots, following goals by Souleyman Sanogo, Siaka Coulibaly and Mamadou Keita. Cougars’ keeper Kenny Ritchie stopped Angelo Sierra, the second shooter for the second-seeded Spartans (12-2), to turn the shootout into his favor.
&#8220We made it so far and we could've been out there and played a great game,” Spartans senior midfielder Kenneil Haye said. &#8220It came down to penalty shots and we blew it. That was the championship. We didn't win it.”
Trailing 1-0 and being outplayed in the opening half, senior Daniel Noray got the Spartans even at one, drilling home a bicycle-kicked cross from Alpha Dioubate. But Dioubate missed wide left in the 75th minute and A.P. Randolph sweeper Nduka Anyanwu locked up Haye, the Spartans star, all afternoon, although he did get credit for an assist and eight shots on goal.
&#8220It wasn't his best game,” the coach said. &#8220Kenneil, he's the type of player that if he comes to play, he'll be the one that makes the difference. He was just too hyperactive. He was trying to make everything on his back. You can have the individual skill, but if you don't play as a team you're not going anywhere.”
Kenneil, who finished with 15 goals and 17 assists, felt the Spartans were far too conservative. &#8220We didn't play our game that we normally played this season. We sat back and played like them. We didn't attack.”
When John Adams lost a hard fought semifinal against Arts & Business, the eventual champions, last November, Navarrete was asked to move his team up to the ‘A' division. He decided to remain, giving his 11 seniors the chance to win a title. Now, with a depleted roster, Navarrete is even more dubious of moving up in competition.
&#8220I can't answer now,” he said. &#8220If we would've won the whole thing I would tell you right now, I'm definitely going in. But now I want revenge. I want it. I want it for the program; I want it for the school. That's the only thing that is missing.”