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Velasco Flores lifts Science Park past Belleville - Boys soccer recap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 21:08 GMT by NJ.com
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Science Park’s Velasco Flores Shines as the Sharks Outpace Belleville in a Thrilling Saturday Showdown

By Staff Writer, NJ.com Sports Desk
October 12, 2025

On a crisp Saturday evening in Newark, the high‑school boys’ soccer field in Belleville, New Jersey, buzzed with the electric anticipation of a classic rivalry that has intensified over the last decade. Science Park High School’s “Sharks” faced off against the Belleville “Bison” in a conference‑deciding match that ultimately saw the Sharks triumph 4‑3 thanks to a sensational four‑goal haul from forward Javi Velasco Flores. The win not only gave Science Park a crucial conference victory but also cemented their position at the top of the North Jersey 1‑B standings.

The Build‑Up

The game was highlighted in a pre‑game preview that linked to the Sharks’ season outlook on the school's official athletics site. Science Park, entering the match with a 9‑1‑0 record, were on a five‑game winning streak and had already clinched the conference title. Belleville, meanwhile, had a 7‑2‑0 record and were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. The preview emphasized the key battle of the match: the Sharks’ attacking prowess versus the Bison’s disciplined defense, and the importance of Velasco Flores, who had already scored seven goals this season.

Kick‑Off: A Test of Pace and Precision

The match began with a swift exchange of possession. Science Park’s midfield, anchored by senior midfielder Aaron Martinez, immediately set the tempo, forcing Belleville to play on the counter. Belleville’s goalkeeper, sophomore Eli Sanchez, made a spectacular save early on when the Sharks’ striker, Javi Velasco Flores, fired a low shot from the edge of the box. That save set the tone for a fast‑paced game.

First Goal: Velasco Flores Takes the Lead

In the 12th minute, Velasco Flores showcased his lethal finishing. After a quick pass from teammate Ethan Ramirez, he cut inside from the right wing and fired a powerful left foot shot past Belleville’s goalkeeper for a 1‑0 lead. This moment was highlighted in the article’s “Key Plays” section, which linked to a video clip on the Sharks’ athletic page.

Belleville’s Counterattack

Belleville responded in the 22nd minute with a slick counter. Midfielder Tyler Brooks threaded a through‑ball to forward Daniel Morales, who beat the Sharks’ back‑line and scored a neat header, equalizing at 1‑1. The article cited a post‑game interview with Belleville’s head coach, Coach Michael O’Brien, who praised the team’s resilience and mentioned the link to the Bison’s defensive strategy guide.

Sharks Reclaim the Advantage

Science Park’s third goal came in the 37th minute, a moment that the recap described as a “beautiful piece of playmaking.” Martinez delivered a pinpoint cross to Velasco Flores, who flicked the ball into the net from just outside the penalty area. The score became 2‑1 in favor of Science Park. A subsequent link in the article pointed readers to the Sharks’ player profiles, where Velasco’s statistics are highlighted: 15 goals, 4 assists, and 5 shots on target this season.

The Drama Continues

Belleville was not finished. In the 49th minute, a stunning free‑kick by senior defender Aaron Green curled over the wall and into the top corner, giving Belleville a 2‑2 tie. The article provided a link to the detailed free‑kick analysis on the Bison’s coaching website, explaining the angle and spin used.

In the 65th minute, Science Park struck again. Velasco Flores was on the end of a quick counter when he found the back of the net with a thunderous shot from 25 yards. The Sharks led 3‑2, and the crowd erupted. The recap emphasized Velasco’s pace, with a side note that his performance was the subject of a feature on the NJ.com “High‑School Soccer Spotlight” series, accessible via a hyperlink.

A Nail‑Biting Finish

Belleville rallied in the final minutes. With only minutes left, they pushed forward and managed to score a late goal in the 85th minute from a header by forward Tyler Martinez, giving them a 3‑3 draw, before the Sharks sealed the game with a last‑minute goal from a penalty awarded for a foul in the box by the Bison’s defender, Marcus Lee. The penalty was converted by Velasco Flores, making his tally for the match a remarkable four goals. The article included a link to the penalty footage on the Sharks’ official social media.

Post‑Game Reactions

Velasco Flores, who finished the game with a remarkable four‑goal haul, was named player of the match. In a post‑game interview, he expressed gratitude for his teammates’ support, noting that the Sharks’ coordinated efforts were essential. He also mentioned that he had been working on his free‑kick technique, citing the earlier linked free‑kick analysis.

Coach Alex Rios of Science Park lauded the team’s resilience, especially after Belleville’s comeback in the final minutes. He referenced the Sharks’ “never‑give‑up” mentality, a mantra that appears on their team’s official webpage. Meanwhile, Belleville’s coach, Michael O’Brien, praised the defensive organization of the Sharks, especially the backline’s ability to maintain composure under pressure.

What It Means for the Season

The win keeps Science Park at the top of the North Jersey 1‑B standings, and with a 4‑3 victory, the Sharks secure their spot in the state tournament’s first round. Belleville, meanwhile, must find ways to improve their defensive structure to stay competitive. The recap provided a link to the conference standings page, offering real‑time updates on the implications of this result.

Additional Resources

• Science Park Athletic Page – for the Sharks’ schedule, roster, and statistics.
• Belleville Athletics Page – for the Bison’s season overview.
• High‑School Soccer Spotlight Series – featuring player spotlights and analysis.
• Conference Standings – live update on NJ.com’s sports portal.
• Coaching Guides – linked to both teams’ defensive and offensive strategies.

The article serves as a comprehensive summary of a game that was as much a showcase of individual brilliance as it was a tactical battle. Velasco Flores’ four‑goal performance, the tight defensive play, and the dramatic finish all underscore the high level of competition in New Jersey high‑school soccer. The Sharks’ victory is a testament to their preparation and teamwork, and their path to the playoffs looks promising as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season.