In their penultimate game before winter break on Dec. 14, the UHS Boys’ Varsity Soccer team faced off against the red-hot Canyon Comanches. 

In the first half, the teams traded scores, with senior captain Armon Haghighat knocking in a goal for the Trojans to send the teams into a 1-1 tie going into the half. 

UHS came out with a strong push in the second half, scoring two goals courtesy of juniors Andres Bolanos and Asger Ross to take a 3-1 lead. Canyon responded with a goal of their own to tighten up the score at 3-2, but the Trojans kept their lead by maintaining some stifling defense late in the match, ending with a close win of 3-2. 

“Winning our first game was a big sigh of relief for me and my team, as I knew it would break the ice for the rest of the season, especially against such a good team,” Haghighat said. 

Haghighat has played a major role in the Trojans’ offense throughout the season and is depended on to create scoring opportunities for his team. 

“I use the responsibility that is placed on me as motivation to prove that I deserve it,” Haghighat said. “Also, since I am aware that my team relies on me, I try to set an example by coming on time, training hard, playing my heart out in games and recovering correctly.

The athletes aim to continue to play with the same passion and attitude that they had in this game going forward, as they work hard to achieve their goal of winning their league. 

“We have a positive mindset, and no matter what happens in the middle of the game, we do not give up at any moment when the game is still on,” senior Hibiki Noda said. “Working rate is one key in games, and every player has to have intensity and strong passion to play.” 

The Trojans will try to carry their momentum into league play as they face off against Beckman at home on Feb. 2.