Taiwo Adeshigbin is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover BASIS Phoenix for AZPreps365.com

Under cloudy skies and a sluggish start, the BASIS Phoenix boys soccer team defeated Phoenix Christian, 9-1, on Tuesday to remain undefeated.

The Firebirds' second-half tactical adjustment was a success, as midfielder Kieran Veloria led the way with four goals and two assists. 

From the start, the aggressive Cougars pressed hard and kept nearly its entire team defending in their own half. The Firebirds (6-0) still managed to create several scoring opportunities, but they were only able to score twice. 

“They were pretty aggressive, so we had to get the ball out of our feet and play a lot quicker,” Veloria said. 

Midway through the first half, Veloria opened the scoring after receiving a pass in his opponents’ half, carrying the ball with speed past three dazzled defenders to strike a low shot into the net. Minutes later, forward Jorge Azagra pounced on a poor defensive clearance in the 18-yard box to slam a low shot into the left side netting. 

However, BASIS Phoenix coach Jules Veloria was not pleased with his team's inability to impose its style of play. In the second half, he said, once his team stopped forcing shots and looked for the extra pass, more scoring chances were produced.

Before the Firebirds went on a frenzy, scoring seven goals in the second half, the Cougars utilized their high-pressure defense to force a turnover. After Cougars forward Adu Asalefew blocked the defender's attempt to clear the ball, he dished a pass to unmarked teammate Kimberly Cornado in the 18-yard box, who passed the ball past the keeper.

The hope in the Cougars' eyes, being down 2-1, was diminished quickly.  

The Firebirds ability to spread the field, making one or two touch passes to one another, built their confidence, giving them quality looks at goal. All, but two goals occurred in the 18-yard or penalty area. 

Azagra credited the second-half adjustment in helping him get on the scoring board multiple times. His goal came from a sharp turn, outside of the 18-yard box, with a quick shot releasing a stellar rocket into the upper-right corner.

“We were more motivated, just quicker on the pass, and getting to space faster gave us more opportunities," Azagra said. 

The Firebirds were without their leading goal scorer, Liam Verstraet, due to a minor hit to his knee from Monday's match against Glendale Prep. Jules Veloria said Verstraet could have played a little but felt resting him for a week would be better. 

“Well, we hope to recover (as a team) because we have a very tough game against the state champions (Veritas Prep),” the coach said. 

BASIS Phoenix remains No. 1 in the 3A Central Conference. Its next match will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Veritas Prep (3-2). When the two teams met last year, Veritas Prep won, 3-2. 

Given the stakes will be much higher, the Firebirds are excited for the win but know improvements need to be made to continue their winning streak.  

“Next game, I need to finish my opportunities and move the ball quicker and encourage the team, and start a lot quicker,” Kieran Veloria said.