The CHS boys varsity soccer team has had a strong bounce-back season, making a run in this year’s postseason.

After finishing with a 5-9 record last year, this year’s team rebounded with a 9-4-2 record in the regular season and was awarded the fourth seed and a home first round playoff game. The CHS defense has vastly improved, conceding just 13 goals after surrendering 28 goals last year. The attack has also improved substantially as they have scored 25 goals this year, opposed to 18 goals last year.

Senior captain Jack Stern, who was tied for top scorer with four goals, sees both experience and higher levels of intensity being factors in their postseason run.

“The intensity is much higher,” Stern said. “The players [have taken] this season more seriously.”

Head coach Arnold Tarzy, who is now in his ninth season, feels the possibilities are endless for this year’s team.

“With an excellent attitude, commitment to the team and determination, I place no limits on what this team can accomplish,” Tarzy said.

The team started the postseason off well with a 2-1 overtime first round win over Montgomery Blair. CHS dominated the match with goals from seniors Dan Cohen and Ryan Hughes helping CHS overcome an early deficit.

CHS was eliminated in a controversial 2-1 loss to the top seed Walter Johnson. After conceding an early goal, CHS responded with a goal off the volley from senior Niko Papageorge. In the second half, Walter Johnson scored a controversial goal that appeared to have been cleared off the goal-line by senior Austin Hsu. Despite a flurry of shots on goal from CHS, Walter Johnson went on to win the game. Junior midfielder Darius Siahpoosh, who had three goals and four assists on the season, was very disappointed to knocked out by Walter Johnson.

“The hardest part for me about losing was knowing that I won’t be playing anymore games with my teammates,” Siahpoosh said. “I have never had so much fun playing soccer in my career.”