Boys Hold Off Rams in HVAL Matchup

Harvey boys varsity soccer team notched an impressive 4-2 road win Tuesday, Sept. 27, against HVAL rival Watkinson in West Hartford. The Cavaliers struggled to find their offensive flow against the off-sides trap defense of the host Rams but got late goals in the second half to emerge with the victory.

The Cavs tried to force the ball over the defense and were constantly caught off sides throughout the game. On occasion when the ball was played wide, offensive opportunities developed.  In the 18th minute ninth grader Patrick Cuneo received a ball wide and dribbled into the penalty area where he was fouled. Cuneo converted the penalty kick to give Harvey an early lead. The goal gave Harvey life, and two minutes later, senior captain Clayton Collum beat a Rams defender wide and played a pass across the goalmouth to sophomore Jonah Kass.  Kass gave the Cavs 2-0 lead.

The Harvey offense, however, continued to be predictable for the remainder of the half, allowing the Rams to remain in the game. After a turnover in the back third, Watkinson cut the lead in half in the final 15 seconds of the first half. Harvey led 2-1 at intermission.

Sparked by their late first half goal, Watkinson was inspired and began winning 50/50 balls. On a free kick, the Rams won a race to a ball in the box and tied the score at 2-2 just 8 minutes into the half. The Harvey defense struggled to contain their big strong forwards. Coach Simon Leibovic said, “Far too often we were unable to control the ball and make passes to feet. We settled for just kicking the ball out of bounds instead.”

In the 60th minute Harvey earned a free kick from midfield. Senior captain Dylan Kluge launched a ball to the top of the 18-yard box which Cuneo ran onto and finished, giving Harvey the advantage once again. Trailing 3-2, Watkinson pressed forward in an attempt to tie the game, but the Harvey defenders and senior goalkeeper Dylan Gueli stood tall for the final 30 minutes of the game.Gueli made five saves in the game.

Harvey would put the game away in the 83rd minute when sophomore Jaime Mendoza-Sancho scored on a breakaway.

Harvey now stands at 4-2 overall and 3-0 in the HVAL. The Cavs will be tested this Saturday when they host the 2021 league champions, Wooster School.