By Johnny Inama
The Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks boys soccer team is coming off a 3-0 loss in their home opener against Bartram Trail High School, and are now on the road for their next two matchups. They faced off against Creekside High School (CHS) on Nov. 17 in their first away game of the year. The Sharks came out and let up multiple early goals with no response, and their first goal of the season eventually came from senior center back, Will Ross. However, the attack could not build off the goal as they were stagnant the rest of the match. The goals piled on for Creekside High School as the game ended with a final score of 6-1, and the Sharks were now off to a poor 0-2-0 start to the season.
The next matchup for the Sharks was their rival, Nease High School, in a game on Nov. 21 that was scheduled to be an away game for the Sharks, but poor field conditions for Nease High School forced the game to be played at Davis Park, which neighbors Ponte Vedra High School. The Sharks were determined to not drop their third straight game, and the game started out very physical. The Sharks were the first to score, with a goal coming halfway through the first half from sophomore midfielder, Nick Churchill, who scored off a volley to put the Sharks up 1-0 early. The game continued to be back and forth, but the Shark defense eventually made a mistake and let up a goal, making it a tie game; however, the Sharks still had plenty of time to establish an attack. The Sharks had multiple opportunities within the last few minutes of the match with multiple shots on goal, but they failed to take back the lead and the match ended with a draw, moving the Sharks record to 0-2-1.
“We need to practice harder, bounce back, and be ready for next week.”
Landon Rogers-Neubarth (12)
The Sharks will now face Mandarin High School on Nov. 28 in their second home match of the season, looking to hand a 4-0 Mandarin team their first loss. The Sharks are still searching for their first win, but are confident that it is coming soon. “We need to practice harder, bounce back, and be ready for next week,” said senior goal keeper, Landon Rogers-Neubarth.
Pictured: Jeffrey Tillman (12) taking a break during a timeout
