For the first time in nearly eight years, the John F. Kennedy Titans outlasted the Newark Memorial Cougars in a 1-0 boys’ varsity soccer showdown. The win catapulted the Titans to first place in the Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) standing, momentarily breaking the Cougars’ run of league dominance.
Heading into the match, the Cougars— reigning MVAL and North Coast Section (NCS) Division III champions— had gone undefeated in league play since December 2022. But the Titans, despite managing only two wins the previous season, entered the contest on a hot streak, winning their last three MVAL games. This set the stage for a first-versus-second seed duel.
Both teams’ offenses were deadlocked at the start of the game, pushing the ball up the pitch but rarely advancing past midfield. But while sustained scoring chances were scarce, the atmosphere was anything but subdued. Shouts of “Let’s go!” and “Arriba!” from the crowd mixed with captains’ rallying cries like “Wake up, Newark!” —infused Fremont’s Tak Fudenna Memorial Stadium with competitive spirit.
In the 16th minute, the Titans caught a break. A handball violation by a Newark player just outside the penalty box resulted in a free kick. As the ensuing kick landed in a crowded group of Titan and Cougar defenders, Kennedy forward Daren Balaba redirected the ball into the net, putting his team up 1-0 as supporters erupted in cheers.
“It was just instinct really,” Balaba said after the game. “I saw the ball coming [down] from the top, it dropped into a lucky spot, I hit it, and thankfully it went in.”
Over the next 64 minutes, the Cougars attempted more than 15 shots, ramping up their offensive pressure in an attempt to equalize. However, Kennedy’s defensive scheme was rock-solid, intentionally forcing Newark’s attackers to the edges of the pitch and limiting close-range strikes. Occasionally, the Cougars managed to penetrate the penalty box with deft dribbles and corner kicks. But their shots routinely sailed wide or were easily cleared by Titan defenders, preserving Kennedy’s 1-0 lead.
“We wanted to dictate the play by making it really hard for them to play through the lines,” Titans head coach Harrison Brooks said postgame. “I think we did that really well.”
However, the biggest point of frustration —for both sides —was not a lack of offensive success. Rather, it was the game’s officiating.
With both teams playing physically, players frequently pushed each other and tumbled into the ground —eliciting aggrieved pleas for yellow cards. Fans also voiced their displeasure with the three officials, chanting slogans like “Change the refs!” whenever they perceived bias or unfair calls. Ultimately, the referees issued three yellow cards, two of which were given to a Kennedy midfielder —resulting in his automatic ejection. They also warned both coaches to calm the spectators.
However, Balaba believes the officials were not strict enough when disciplining players.
“They have to stand up for player safety,” Balaba said. “The linesman is standing right next to my player as he’s getting pushed while walking past, and [no card was given]. The officiating has to get better.”
Newark was also frustrated with the officiating. In the 35th minute, a Newark player was tripped by a Titan defender but managed to attempt a shot while falling, which bounced past the goalie and into the net. However, an official blew the play dead before the shot to signal a violation on Kennedy, negating the Cougars’ goal and leading fans to erupt in boos.
Despite the fixture’s low score and chaotic on-field action, Balaba views Kennedy’s win as both a team milestone and motivator for their next match against Newark.
“Now that we’ve put ourselves at the top of the [league] table, self-esteem is high, and we’re motivated to keep grinding,” Balaba said. “It will be a very tight game, but we’re excited to play Newark again and show them this was not a one-time thing.”
At this time Newark’s head coach has not yet responded to a request for comment via email.
The Titans first return to the pitch on Wednesday, Jan. 15 —traveling to Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward to battle the Mariners at 6pm.
The Cougars will look to avenge their loss on Wednesday as well, facing the Irvington High School Vikings of Fremont in Tak Fudenna Memorial Stadium at 6pm.
To follow Kennedy and Newark Memorial’s game schedules, visit www.maxpreps.com.
