Photos by Tony Chen
Staff Photographer
Boys’ soccer triumphed against Bassett at home with a score of 3-0 on Monday, December 17. The Tigers remain undefeated on their home turf with a 5-0 record in 2018.
The South Pas team kicked off the first half with dominant offensive pressure that gave it early ball control. Within the first five minutes of play, senior midfielder Jett Donlevy had broken away from his defender and drove down the side all the way to the Olympian goal. Once deep into Basset’s side of the field, a throw in followed immediately by a shot from senior Addison Foord nearly secured the Tigers’ first goal but was just within reach of the opposing goalkeeper. The Olympians quickly responded with multiple attacks that pushed the Tigers back to their own goal. None of the Bassett forwards’ kicks were able to connect, however, as senior Ryan Wong lunged to meet shot after shot throughout the second portion of the half. The boys’ team then showed even fiercer midfield play, with sophomore Caleb Lee winning 50/50 balls all over the field. Sophomore Reo Snyder finally managed to find the back of the net with ten minutes on the clock, giving South Pas a 1-0 lead as the half concluded.
The Olympians were not able to catch a break as the second half began, frequently losing out on the ball to the more agile Tigers. The boys’ team attempted throughout the half to make a last push on the crumbling Bassett defense, but the players’ kicks repeatedly landed just wide of the goal. Finally, in what sealed the win for the home team, a solid midfield drive from senior Henry Barbera at five minutes gave the Tigers their second goal. Snyder then surprised the opposition with a third goal only one minute after Barbera’s, bringing the South Pas lead to the final score of 3-0.
The victory concludes the team’s final match of 2018. The Tigers will resume preseason play in January and face off against the rival San Marino Titans on the road on Saturday, January 5.
