A Thanksgiving Play: Cardinals and Sharks on the Soccer Pitch
WILLIAMSBURG, NY. In a Thanksgiving meet-up—of sorts; it wasn’t a re-enactment of Native Americans providing maze and comfort to the Pilgrims—soccer teams from The Harbor School (THS) and the Harry Van Arsdale Educational Campus (HVA) got together last week for a friendly match at Bushwick Inlet.
Kids playing soccer against each other is an everyday New York City phenomenon, so focusing on this story is akin to “dog bites man,” even in the content tsunami of blogging. What is noteworthy is that the Van Arsdale team, coached by one-time professional player Todd Baron, provided a welcome boost to a Harbor School side trying mightily to field a competitive squad.
Baron’s band of Cardinals are far beyond roster-building. Thanks to his intrepid efforts and a triumvirate of school administrators—the HVA campus contains Brooklyn Prep, where Baron is a physical education teacher, Williamsburg High School of Architecture and Design, and Williamsburg Prep—students from all three schools compete in the NYC Charter School Athletic Association.
Combined Harbor School, Harry Van Arsdale squads after Thanksgiving friendly. Photo: M. Randazzo
In fact, they were the NYCSAA’s number two team going into the association’s playoffs until ousted earlier this month in a 2-1 semifinal loss to third-seed Achievement First. The Panthers then went on to win the tournament, a bitter coda to HVA’s season-ending defeat.
There was therefore little incentive for the Cardinals to fly out of their Williamsburg nest for additional play, except the team—and their coach’s—generous spirit to help another squad.
“Glad we could make this happen,” Coach Baron said after Tuesday’s match. “We got to see some quality play and several nice goals.”
And generous their gesture was for a team needing a break before the holidays. THS captain Matteo Mejia and his schoolmates have pushed their school’s administration, including new principal Michael Hojnacki, to support the passion of approximately 25 Harbor School soccer players.
A critical move for Matteo and his mates was to lobby George Pingeon, a Physics teacher, to take the head coaching gig. Pingeon has reached out to local schools and worked with Matteo and others to secure uniforms. Up until last week exactly one team responded to play on Governors Island, The Harbor School’s home. Then Baron and the Van Arsdale team agreed to a friendly.
Despite their lack of experience the Sharks gave the Cardinals as good as they got in an exciting and competitive match framed by the Manhattan skyline.
Harbor School players with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Photo: M. Randazzo
“The game was exciting, going back and forth, especially in the second half,” said Coach Pingeon. “There was good camaraderie and it gave our younger players valuable experience.”
And observers a thrilling outcome. Tied 3-all after 60 minutes, the teams went to penalty kicks where THS had just enough to secure a win.
Matteo, a senior and nearing the end of his Harbor School tenure, was appreciative of the opportunity and the play. “Really great performances from everyone,” he said. “Hopefully we see Harry Van Arsdale next year.”
“Life goes on and on and on, so who doesn't need a friend?” quipped Paul Garcia, THS Dean of Students, about the match.
“Futbol brings good people together,” added Baron. Indeed, it did, especially for a holiday dedicated to giving thanks for all we’ve got.