The high school boys’ soccer teams headed down to International School of Busan (ISB) for the soccer 7s championship on May 17. After consecutive 11-a-side matches, they returned to a smaller field which best suits their style and strategy, aiming for their first-ever gold and a three sport crown in the Southern Korean Association of International Schools (SKAIS) league.

Varsity kicked off the day against the Busan Foreign School (BFS) Sharks. The Jets pushed strongly from the start, creating close opportunities at the net. Jason (number 22) and Jacob McAteer (number 17), again as center backs, forged the back line impenetrable. After precise build ups from goalkeeper Bryan Hyun (number 1), striker Ethan Rossmeisl (number 5) scored a header using his immense vertical. 

They continued on with a fierce attack. The shorter game time (15 minute halves, 3 minute half time), in contrast with 11-on-11 soccer, allowed them to save stamina and keep up the tension. They quickly scored another goal, ending the match with scores of two-nil.

Later on, the boys squared off against the ISB Bears. After a smooth win against the Sharks, the Jets gained confidence at the home of the Bears. However, ISB showcased a well-centered balance from the start, taking a 0:1 lead. The Jets seemed to bounce back with a tie goal from McAteer (number 17), but the Bears caught up, ending the game with a 2:2 tie. 

Despite an unexpected loss, the boys locked in for their last round-robin match against a co-ed team from the Gyeongnam International Foreign School (GIFS) Tigers and Atherton International School (AIS). The results would determine whether they would make it to the finals. 

With immense pressure on the line, the boys stayed unfocused and allowed the Tigers to put in an easy goal. However, unlike their match against the Bears, they quickly found their footing, with captain Jayden Ahn (number 7) leading the freshies and seniors. They easily caught up, earning their ticket to the finals (4:1).

Before the championship occurred, JV also entered the finals in their bracket. Just like the SKAIS Basketball tournament in sports season two, the junior varsity league consisted only of ISB and DIS. After beating the Bears 4-0 in the round-robin, they again beat the Bears 4-0 in the finals, achieving first place. 

To enhance the JV experience and make their trip worthwhile, an additional match was set up against the varsity third place finishers, the GIFS and AIS combo team. Although lacking physicality compared to their varsity counterparts, through captain William Seok (number 8) and co-captain Robert Cho (number 18)’s lead, they won 3-0, ending the tournament with no conceded goals.  

Then, at last, the finale: the ISB Bears vs. the DIS Jets. After years of dedication, Jets varsity finally entered the first place match, aiming for the gold medal. 

The game flared off with intensity. Both teams prevailed with different tactics: While the Bears worked with long, lobed passes around the field, the Jets carried the ball through dribbles and short passes.

With back-and-forth interceptions along the halfline, ISB were the first ones to hold the first point. Continuing on their lead, they clutched another goal, widening the score gap to two-nil.

However, the Jets did not fall back. Injury-prone freshman left wing Jayden Lee (number 77) maneuvered around the Bears’ defense, and delivered an immaculate pass towards freshman right wing McAteer (number 17) for the finish.

Behind 2:1, in the last five minutes, left wing Lee faced an open goal opportunity inside the penalty box. Unfortunately, the ball directly hit the side post and reflected off towards the endline.

After consecutive close opportunities, the Jets ran out of batteries, allowing the ISB Bears to score two more goals, wrapping up the match at 4:1.

“We did really great, since we got second, which I believe is the highest we got in around six years. Both varsity and JV did so well, and all the players dedicated their best to win the game. Although the seniors are leaving, I’m more than confident that they will win next year,” said Ahn.

At the end of the day, Rossmeisl and Ahn achieved all-tournament team awards, marking an end to their high school athletic careers. The Jets closed with a strong showing, gaining experience and building bonds as they set their sights on a trophy next year. The current ninth-graders hold the key to the DIS soccer future.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Olya Karpenko

Varsity captain Jayden Ahn (7) weaves past the BFS defender to open up a scoring chance. After outmaneuvering his mark, he delivers a pinpoint pass to the winger.