In the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) soccer playoffs, the John Adams Spartans lost a heartbreaker at the hands of the Aviation Flyers by a score of 1-0. It was the third loss for the Spartans against their division rivals this season and in all three contests the Spartans failed to score.
The game was a defensive struggle from the start. Both teams moved the ball well to each side of the field, but could not get the ball past the goalkeepers, remaining scoreless in the first half. While they moved the ball well, the Spartans could not get a shot on goal – uncharacteristic for a team that outscored their opponents 32-17 during the regular season.
“We know we could play better,” said head coach Alex Navarrete.
The second half was more of the same accept for one crucial moment – a moment which sealed the Spartans’ fate. A controversial foul was called against Spartans player Akeem Morgan, setting up a penalty kick for Flyers’ sophomore Jonathan Jaramillo. Jaramillo was able to get the ball passed junior Henry Gonzalez for the game’s only goal.
The game was not without chances for the Spartans, as they were able drive the ball but were unable to get the ball passed senior goal keeper Jonathan Rico. Rico was the difference in the game and a couple great saves that literally saved the game for his team.
“He’s a good goal keeper,” said Navarrete. “He came up big time.”
The Flyers will move on to face the Martin Luther Knights – the number one team in the city.
The Flyers were not the only school to move on to the semifinals in the ‘A’ Division. The Bayside Commodores beat the Beacon Blue Demons by a score of 9-8. Tied at 1-1 after regulation time, the Commodores and Blue Demons could not score in overtime forcing penalty shots. The Commodores won that round 8-7.
For the Commodores, junior Daniel Babar scored two goals as did seniors Kevin Cruz and Marcello Russo. The Commodores will go on to play the Francis Lewis Patriots, who beat the Tilden Blue Devils by a score of 3-2.
