On Nov. 29, the Bonita Vista High (BVH) Barons boys’ varsity soccer plays their first home game of the year against the Vincent Memorial High (VMH) Scots. Throughout the match, the Barons ferociously battle to tighten their grip on their early lead, later following their victory celebration.
With cold temperatures and stadium lights blaring upon the field, BVH boys’ varsity soccer Head coach Justin Robbinett dissipates the mounting pressure on his team with a list of pregame rituals. The Barons start with the ball and immediately work their way up the field as they rush to take their first shot.
“From a coaching standpoint, I enjoy watching the team identify how we can attack and [then] be successful. As a fan of the game, seeing the quality build ups, quality finishing and multiple goals was impressive,” Robbinett said.
Now defending against the Scots, BVH Captain, center back and junior Andres Beltran (2) tackles an opposing right winger to deflect their shot, Beltran then drives the ball up the field and passes it to center forward and junior David Ramirez (9). Ramirez attempts and misses a shot in the final third, giving the ball to the VMH goalkeeper. The keeper’s goal kick launches the ball a short distance before BVH forward and junior Hayden McMackin (25) took possession, passing the ball out of pressure and continuing to be vocal with his teammates.
“We all have great chemistry and are close with each other. We like to hang out and play soccer, which I think is why our chemistry is good. Just because our chemistry and communication was good tonight does not mean we are always going to have it, but what we accomplished tonight is what we want to do every night and maybe even expand on that in the future,” Captain, center defender and senior Jordan Bryce (4) said.
The attacking forwards play with high pressure, forcing VMH to continue to play back to their goalkeeper. Ramirez steals the ball quickly and attempts a shot that makes its way outside of the box and into the center half for Baron defenders to quickly step up and strike for possession. Beltran fights for the ball, getting aggressive and bulldozing players for a chance at the ball. He kicks up the field for center midfielder David Martinez (16), who effortlessly makes a pass to a prepared McMackin. McMackin rockets the ball into the top corner, putting another goal for BVH on the board with less than five minutes left in the first half.
“My dad always said you play how you practice, so the preparation this week and last week [was important]. Also, the chemistry with [my teammates,] for them to see the right passes and setting me up for success. I think that the team tonight set me up for the goal which is why I scored and I didn’t intend to score, but I think it helps with the chemistry from the team,” McMackin said.
With the score of 3-0 and over 20 minutes left of the game, the Barons continue to utilize their speed and aggressiveness to take advantage of VMH’s vulnerable moments. McMackin steals the ball on the first play of the second half and drives it up the field. He plays back to his defensive player in order to open up the field and create more opportunities. Ramirez gets the ball and passes back and forth to Martinez in order to jam VMH defenders on their journey to the goal.
“From day one I have asked that we possess the ball, not play the typical over the top and run onto the ball as most high school teams seem to do. We have a very strong midfield that makes good decisions on and off the ball, they understand my expectations of quality soccer and dominating possession,” Robinett said.
For the last few minutes left of the game the Barons start to play more defensive and incorporate the defenders to get the ball more. Brice pushes up the back line when the ball comes to their half, making lots of tackles in their defensive box from the Shots’ shots. Right back and senior Josh Messina (14) gets the ball and makes a run up the right side of the field then passes it to right forward and senior Kaleb Mayorga (10) to create the space for another opportunity at a shot for BVH. The ball continues to be played back and forth from each side ending the game on a header from Brice. Final score 5-0.
“I started to be more aggressive and I started to head the ball because I play defender. I do not think you can predict the header, it kind of happened that I did it a lot during the game, but it definitely helped our players. I take it for the team if something goes wrong, it’s always for the badge, I love my team,” Brice said.
