The Ponte Vedra Sharks boys soccer team remained undefeated and improved to a record of 9-0-2 following a 3-1 win over the visiting Bolles Bulldogs Jan. 12.
It had been a while since the Sharks had played a game, with their last coming on Dec. 16, so there was some expected rust that the squad had to shake off en route to the victory.
“We’ve been practicing a lot, which really helped out,” senior Aaron Novak said. “I love our team this year and being undefeated is really cool. We’re just trying to keep it alive.”
However, once the Sharks found their groove, they were able to take advantage with three first half goals.
The scoring was a product of the Sharks controlling possession for much of the first half and creating several opportunities in the box or just outside as a result.
Novak opened the scoring on the night for the Sharks. The chance was setup following a corner kick from Andreas Villasana that was initially headed by Jake McGowan before Novak buried it in the back of the net with 33:28 to play in the first half.
“The defender wasn’t stepping to the ball, and I thought I could poke it in,” Novak said. “I didn’t think I could score at first, but it went in, which was pretty cool.”
The Sharks added to its lead and went up 2-0 after Johnny Luce knocked in a goal thanks to a well-placed throw in by Liam Burchell with less than 14 minutes in the first half.
However, the Bulldogs answered with pressure in front of the net and a header that found its way to cut the Sharks’ lead back to one only a minute later.
But the Sharks were unfazed by the sudden goal and pushed right back as Cade Greenwald made a run down the left side and it led to a goal from Dylan Ball, who fought to get prime position in front of the net, and he knew exactly what to do with it.
“Whenever I see the guy going down the sideline, I watch the runners to see where they go and I try to find that open space,” Ball said. “Once you find that open space, you just hope it (the ball) gets to you.”
The Sharks led 3-1 at halftime and maintained it throughout the second half, as the defense held tight against the attacking Bulldogs and Will Sheehan was strong in net, only allowing the one goal.
According to Novak, the defense has continued to improve since the start of the season, even despite some shakeups within the lineup.
“We’ve had a few players, with Sammy Soares and Dylan Ball converting from winger to defense, which has really helped,” Novak said.
The transitions were made during the early part of the season and both players have gelled into their roles with each game that has passed.
“What I really like about this team is that we can trust each other,” Ball said. “Last year was a tough year with COVID and everything, but this year we have a big group of seniors that are really motivated to make it far in the playoffs.”
