The HVSA boys’ U9 Hopewell Hurricanes dominated at the Cherry Hill Soccer Club’s 2017 Kick or Treat Tournament last week. In the first game against the Cherry Hill Raptors, Jacob Berman, Snayhin Sharma, and Patrick Slajchert each scored, leading the Hurricanes to victory, 3-1. The second game against the Voorhees Wolf Pack was a close one, but the Hurricanes came from behind to win 4-3. While the Wolf Pack scored early, the Hurricanes would not be stopped. Jack Pachtinger launched a corner kick which ricochet off an opponent and hit the back of the net. Archie Seas scored with a beautiful chip shot over the keeper’s head. Dylan Kawalek tied the game with a great left-footed shot, and the last goal by Patrick Slajchert brought the win home. The third game, a tough match between the Hurricanes and Bordentown Community, saw amazing goals by Jaxson DeRossett, Ethan Garber, and two great shots by Archie Seas.
On that Sunday, the team returned to the field to play against the Millburn Bolts. The Hurricanes came into the game hungry. Dylan Kawalek took the ball to the net and passed to Jack Riewe, who scored not once but twice. Kawalek couldn’t be stopped as he beat three defenders to increase the Hurricanes’ lead, 3-0. The Bolts scored twice, but the Hurricanes kept the pressure on. Michael Cappucci was fearless on defense and refused to let his opponent get past him. The next point was added to the scoreboard when Jack Pachtinger ran the entire distance of the field to launch the ball and score in the upper right corner of the net. Logan Gonsalves launched a rocket from the eighteen to score. Finnegan Curley couldn’t be stopped and added a goal, and Jaxson DeRossett added the team’s last goal to end the game 7-2. The weekend was a true testament to a group of young athletes who are learning the power of teamwork.
