Taiwo Adeshigbin is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover BASIS Phoenix High School for AZPreps365.com

The BASIS Phoenix boys soccer team fired on all cylinders in its 7-0 win over Scottsdale Prep on Thursday. 

Liam Verstraet’s hunger and speed were suffocating for a Spartans defense that committed too many errors.

Verstraet, a junior, proved to be lethal when he was faced up attacking his opponent’s goal. His quickness to separate himself from his defenders and savvy foot skills allowed him to score four goals. 

“I was playing striker today and considering this field was so big, I had more space in the middle,” said Verstraet, who now leads the team with 14 goals and three assists. 

“We switched the ball well, moving it from side to side,” Verstraet added. “So on a wide field, it just creates a lot of space and chances.”

However, it was midfielder Kieran Veloria who started the barrage of goals. With 15 minutes left in the first half, he collected a blocked shot at the top of the box and released a half volley out of arm's reach. 

“I saw Liam going for the shot, and I was wide open, and I was screaming for the ball,” Veloria said, “I don’t think he saw me, but he ended up getting a really lucky bounce and it came towards me.” 

The Firebirds’ speed playing on a wide field helped open scoring channels for their attacking players. 

“We felt very good and confident playing on this field because this field suits our style of play, in terms of possession and attacking the ball,” BASIS Phoenix coach Jules Veloria said. “And the ball bounces a lot truer.” 

With three minutes left in the first half, the Firebirds’ outside right attacker used his speed to beat a Spartan's defense to force a penalty. Verstraet calmly struck the penalty kick into the left side of the goal. 

Both teams created scoring opportunities, but it was the Firebirds who capitalized on their chances. 

Despite going up two goals at halftime, Veloria wanted to see more ball movement in the second half.  

“I told them if they’re going to lay back, you can be more patient and try to find it," the coach said. "Invite the pressure and continue to unbalance them and then you guys get to pick and choose.”  

The Firebirds took advantage of the field width by moving the ball from one side to the other before dumping the ball for their attackers. 

In addition to their fluid ball movement, the Firebirds' defensive pressure resulted in five second-half goals. 

Verstraet scored three of those goals in the first 20 minutes. 

The last goal came from freshman Arnab Misra, who punished the Spartans' defense for their defensive errors, booting in a shot from the 18-yard box.  

Suffering their first loss on Tuesday, 2-0 to Veritas Prep, helped ignite the Firebirds. 

“We were down from Tuesday’s loss but that one just boosted our confidence to propel us to the win,” Kieran Veloria said. 

With four games left in the regular season, the Firebirds still have room for improvement. 

The coach said his team can still become better when it comes to communication, being patient with the ball to allow the team to be more in sync.  

BASIS Phoenix (7-1) will host Anthem Prep (4-3-1) at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Scottsdale Prep (8-2) will meet Veritas Prep (6-3) at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.