Since the start of the 2024 season, the goal for Hart’s boys soccer team has been to win, and find a way to get senior Adan Cruz into the record books. Both of those marks were achieved Friday, Oct. 4 when Cruz became the all-time leader in assists for the program in a 3-2 win over Wyoming Potter’s House Christian.
Cruz entered this year within reaching distance of hitting 31 career assists, the mark that led Hart and was set by Tony Rayo in 2022. Much to the surprise of his head coach Joe Gilbert, it took until the end of the regular season for Cruz to claim the record as his own.
An outstanding performance that was highlighted by midfield dominance allowed Hart to take control of their matchup with Potter’s House. Though they looked composed in the first half, it wasn’t until 7:30 remained in that period that the Pirates were able to break the scoreless affair.
Cruz set up a corner kick at that mark, but instead of finding a teammate for an assisted goal, he did it all himself. Cruz hit a Trivella – a shot taken with the outside part of the foot, in an effort to gain more of a curve – and watched the ball curl into the net for a 1-0 lead.
A stout defensive lineup consisting of Carter Ramseyer, Miguel Escamilla, Bronx Jones, Adrial Belmares and Joe Osorio, only allowed one shot on target during the first half. That allowed senior keeper JJ Bizon to remain clean and comfortable in front of the net for the initial 40 minutes.
The second half didn’t start as well as the first for Hart. Potter’s House showed a renewed vigor and attacked the Pirates early. An early turnover saw Potter’s House gain a one-on-one with Bizon, and though he gave a valiant effort, the score was tied at 1-1.
The Pumas continued to attack, earning another one-on-one with Bizon. This time Bizon made a key save to keep the score knotted up.
With 17:30 remaining in play, Cruz made a push for the record books. Taking off down the left half of the field, Cruz cut toward the goal and put a pass in play to Adrian Belmares. Adrian put the ball away, giving Hart a 2-1 lead and Cruz a spot in history.
Potter’s House didn’t allow the celebration to last through the final whistle, finding a way to even things up, six minutes later. A high shot from the Pumas’ striker went just far enough to roll off the fingertips of Bizon and into the net.
With time winding down, Hart found enough magic to gain a late lead. It was only fitting that the attack be led by Cruz.
After receiving a pass from Chase Lorenz, Cruz got to the middle of the field and struck a pass in to Adrian Belmares. Belmares once again converted, putting Hart on top 3-2 and leaving Cruz at 33 assists for his career to this point.
Bizon made six saves in the net for Hart, collecting one cross and 11 through balls as well.
The Pirates finished the regular season with an overall record of 11-8 after defeating Grant in their regular season finale. Hart finished seventh in the West Michigan Conference with a 4-6 mark.
Hart will now turn their attention to a home rematch with Shelby as the two take each other on Thursday, Oct. 10 for a pre-district matchup. The Tigers are fresh off a 2-1 win over the Pirates just a week prior.
