By Henry Weitz
Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) boys’ soccer returned to action against the Seabreeze High School (SHS) on Dec. 9. The 5-0-1 Sharks made their way to Daytona Beach, FL for their match against the 2-4-3 Stingrays. PVHS did not have their best outing but nevertheless the Sharks triumphed 4-0 against SHS and moved to 6-0-1. Senior forward, Antonio Mahfuz scored twice in the win followed by senior midfielder, Pascal Rocha and senior defender, Alec Perry who each scored once. Seniors, Jake Romano and Nick Churchill led the team in assists with two each. Finally, senior goalkeeper and Navy commit, Keegan Cornett posted four saves and a clean sheet in the win. PVHS continued their road trip at Atlantic Coast the following night on Dec. 10.
On Dec.10, PVHS boys soccer travelled to Atlantic Coast to take on the Stingrays. Atlantic Coast was 4-7 prior to their matchup with the Sharks but were coming off a three-game win streak. PVHS totaled three goals against in the first half while Cornett and the Sharks defense only allowed one goal. Senior defender, Samuel Camacho had his first goal of the year followed by goals from forwards Churchill and Mahfuz. The match was 3-1 in favor of PVHS at the half and the Sharks were hopeful to add another win. After halftime, the score remained 3-1 Sharks until time expired. Cornett sports another four save performance in the win and the Sharks continue to roll. With this win, PVHS wins their second straight road match and improves to 7-0-1 with a top ranked matchup on the horizon. Next week PVHS takes on number one ranked Mandarin High School Mustangs who will without a doubt be the Sharks biggest test so far this season. The Sharks travel to MHS on Dec. 15 for their third straight away game.
Undefeated PVHS battled the Mandarin High School (MHS) Mustangs at MHS to determine the top spot in the district. Prior to the match, the Mustangs were seeded first place in the district at 9-1-1 and the Sharks were seeded second at 7-0-1. PVHS set the tone with a Mahfuz header assisted by Romano to start the match. The Sharks could not match the speedy MHS offense and soon the Mustangs responded with two goals to end the half at 2-1 Mustangs. After halftime, PVHS knew they had to respond and even out the score at the least. Senior forward, Oliver Minch found Churchill on a well placed through ball and Churchill connected. With that, the Sharks evened the score at 2-2. Not long after, the Mustangs pressed on and seemed unstoppable on the attack. Cornett shut down MHS and dove for a crucial save to keep the win within reach. Near the end of the second half, junior forward, Noah Ostfeld was granted a free kick just outside of the keeper’s box. Ostfeld missed his attempt just high, and the score stayed stagnant at 2-2. The final score was 2-2 PVHS tied the Mustangs in their most challenging match of the year. Cornett held off the Mustang offense as best he could with seven saves while allowing two goals. PVHS remains without a loss but adds their second tie of the season to now sit at 7-0-2. The Sharks road swing comes to a close and PVHS will not take the field again until Jan. 5 against Fletcher High School.
The break will be more time to fix the small details and really focus up for Fletcher to win the surfboard. We aren’t going to take days off and take advantage of everyday to get better
Pictured: Jameson Siegel driving sprintng with the ball in the game against Atlantic Coast High School
