Comets Leap to 7-1 Victory
On Saturday, the HLA Boys Soccer Team showcased their depth and talent in a commanding 7-1 victory over Morris High School.
The game started with a surprise as Morris scored just one minute and 30 seconds into the contest, catching the Comet defense off guard. However, the Comets quickly responded. Just a minute later, Zane Holmquist launched a shot off the top bar, where Lincoln Nash capitalized on a rebound put-back to level the score. By the 4th minute, Holmquist pressured a Morris defender, stole the ball, and scored unassisted. Drew Fischer added another goal at the 8-minute mark, assisted by Holmquist, further extending the Comets' lead.
The momentum continued at the 10-minute mark when Gabriel Mazon scored off an assist from Lincoln Nash. At 18 minutes, Zane Holmquist received a centering pass from Haakon Kjaergaard, skillfully beating two defenders to score again. Kjaergaard capped off the first half's scoring spree with a stunning free-kick goal from 25 yards out, putting the Comets up 6-1 at halftime.
Morris was awarded a penalty kick in the second half due to a handball by Comet sweeper Aaron Reinadin, but goalkeeper Aiden Kim made a crucial save to keep Morris at bay. The final goal came at the 60-minute mark when Junior Captain Kian Stender delivered a perfect free kick from deep in the Comet defensive zone. Charlie Eggiman carried it up the left side and placed a flawless shot into the top right corner of the Morris net, sealing the 7-1 victory.
The Comets dominated the game with 19 shots on goal compared to Morris’s seven, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Coach Rod Jensen praised Morris High School for launching their MSHSL program and acknowledged the challenges of building a new team. Reflecting on the match, Coach Jensen was pleased with the opportunity to rotate players and give some veterans a well-deserved rest. Notably, younger players like Levi DeYounge, David Diniz, and Miles Selvig stepped up, making significant contributions throughout the contest.
With a record of 2-1, the Comets will travel on Monday for their fourth match in five days against Minnewaska.