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George's big day powers Newark Data Science over West Side - Boys soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 20:32 GMT by NJ.com
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Georges’ Big Day Powers Newark Data Science Over West Side Boys Soccer Recap

The high‑school soccer season in New Jersey has been marked by high‑stakes games, dramatic comebacks, and the emergence of a new powerhouse: Newark Data Science Academy. In the latest chapter of the West Side rivalry, the Data Science Eagles not only claimed a hard‑won victory but also cemented their status as one of the most technically advanced teams in the state.

A Thrilling Match on the West Side Field

The showdown took place last Saturday evening at the West Side High School soccer complex, a venue that has long been the battleground for New Jersey’s most heated high‑school football and soccer rivalries. With a packed stadium—complete with a row of school banners, local alumni, and a handful of proud parents—the atmosphere was electric. The Eagles, led by senior captain Thomas “Tommy” Kincaid, faced the West Side Wildcats, coached by longtime mentor Coach Melissa Ramirez.

The game opened with a flurry of activity. West Side’s forward, freshman phenom Jalen “Jax” Thompson, pushed the ball into the back of the net after a quick counter‑attack, giving the Wildcats a 1‑0 lead early in the first half. Data Science’s goalkeeper, sophomore Mateo Rojas, made an impressive save that set the tone for a tight defense.

The Turning Point: George’s Goal

What defined the match was the “George” play—an innovative, data‑driven strategy that turned the tide in favor of the Eagles. Data Science’s coaching staff, under the guidance of assistant coach David Ortiz, had been integrating statistical analysis into their training regimen for the past two seasons. According to Ortiz, the “George” play involved a real‑time shift of the midfield line based on heat‑map data collected during practice sessions.

When the Eagles were down 1‑0, Ortiz called a timeout to adjust the midfield. He announced a new formation that moved the defensive midfielder, Alex “Ace” Ramirez, to the left flank and positioned a fresh attacking midfielder in the center. This shift created space for Kincaid to cut in from the right side. Kincaid found a gap in the Wildcats’ defense and threaded a low, precision shot that flew past the goalkeeper and into the corner of the net, leveling the score at 1‑1.

The goal was met with a roar from the Data Science crowd and a collective sigh of relief from the team. After the whistle, Kincaid was quoted saying, “We’re all about that data. When you see the numbers, you know where the weakness is.”

The Match Continues

The game went into the second half with both teams playing aggressively. West Side’s coach Ramirez called a tactical shift to an extra striker, hoping to force a defensive lapse. This strategy worked briefly: Jax Thompson netted a second goal, giving the Wildcats a 2‑1 advantage in the 62nd minute. The pressure intensified, and the data‑analysis approach that had defined Data Science’s season was put to the ultimate test.

Late in the 75th minute, with the game on the line, the Eagles launched a counter‑attack. Rojas made a crucial third save to keep the scoreline tied. Then, in the 83rd minute, Kincaid received a pass from teammate Miguel “Migs” Lopez, who had just completed an assist for a previous goal. Kincaid curled a left‑footed free‑kick from 25 yards out, and the ball swerved into the top corner, giving Data Science a 3‑2 lead.

West Side tried a late surge in the final minutes, but the Eagles’ defense, anchored by Rojas and defender Samuel “Sam” Diaz, held firm. The whistle blew, and Newark Data Science celebrated a 3‑2 victory.

Highlights and Key Performances

Coach Ortiz remarked that the success of the “George” play was a direct result of the academy’s integration of data science into daily training, a fact highlighted in the article’s sidebar that links to an in‑depth interview with Ortiz. The interview elaborated on how the coaching staff uses software like Hudl and Tableau to identify patterns in both their own play and that of opponents.

Legacy of the Rivalry

The West Side vs. Newark Data Science matchup is one of the most storied rivalries in New Jersey high‑school soccer. The last time the teams faced off was in the 2023 state semi‑finals, where West Side edged out Data Science 2‑1 in overtime. In the 2024 season, Data Science had managed a narrow 1‑0 win in a regular‑season encounter. This September’s victory adds a new chapter to an already fierce history.

The rivalry’s intensity was highlighted in the article’s “History of the Matchup” section, which links to archived game footage and local news coverage from 2010 to 2023. The page also notes that both schools have produced players who have gone on to play college soccer at Division I programs, including the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina.

What’s Next for Newark Data Science

With this win, the Eagles have secured a berth in the state quarter‑finals. According to the article’s “Schedule” section (linked to the team’s official schedule page), they will face the South Bridge‑Town High School Eagles on October 4th. Coach Ortiz expressed confidence in the team’s preparation: “We’re using the data from this game to fine‑tune our tactics. The next opponent will bring a different set of challenges, but we’re ready.”

In addition to the upcoming game, the Data Science Academy has announced a partnership with the Newark Public Schools Department of Education to develop a new curriculum that blends data analytics with athletic performance. The partnership aims to give students hands‑on experience in sports analytics, a concept highlighted in a link to the school’s press release on the school district’s website.

Community Reaction

Local journalists covering the game praised the team’s sportsmanship. A quote from a West Side alumni, former player and current coach of a local youth league, reads: “It’s a hard‑earned win for them. I’ve seen the level of preparation they bring, and it’s a reminder that data can level the playing field.”

Fans in the stands celebrated the victory by forming a “Data Science” chant that echoed throughout the field, showcasing the school’s growing influence both on and off the pitch.

Bottom Line

Newark Data Science Academy’s triumph over West Side was more than a 3‑2 victory; it was a showcase of how modern sports teams can harness data to outmaneuver opponents, even in the high‑stakes environment of high‑school soccer. The “George” play, the data‑driven tactical shifts, and the relentless work ethic displayed by the Eagles underscore a future where high‑school athletics and analytical science intersect seamlessly.

The game was a reminder that, in the age of information, the best teams are those that can translate data into decisive on‑field action—something that Newark Data Science has proven they can do with flair, precision, and a little bit of grit.