By Mike Rubin

Despite an abundance of injuries, the Somerville High School boys soccer team has managed to right the ship. Key setbacks for the Highlanders this season included star defenseman Lesley Andrade, who tore his ACL over the summer during the Bay State Games. Also missing time was last year’s Greater Boston MVP Homero Morais along with team captain Kevin Montiele along with starters Bipul Pyakaryul and Pedro Rolim.

Weathering the storms, the Highlanders pulled through with a 2-2 tie with league rivals Everett followed by a 3-2 win over Newton North on September 25. With last week’s 1-0 loss to Madison Park, the Highlanders currently stand at 3-3-1 overall.

In the win over Newton North, Junior Pierre and Winden Carver each scored a goal apiece while Felipe Brogato guided the defense.

“We’re having trouble finishing off our opportunities,” said coach George Scarpelli. “We’re a little banged up, but we need to capitalize on our scoring opportunities if we are to have a chance to win some games. We’re still having a tough time, but hopefully we’ll be able to get some key guys back any time now.”

In the Madison Park loss, the game remained a scoreless battle until the Highlanders surrendered a goal to Aloiso Barbosa with just four minutes expired in the second half.

“The playing conditions were pretty rough,’’ said Scarpelli. “It was windy and raining, and it was very hard to penetrate any offense.

Despite a valiant effort, the Highlanders created several opportunities, including shots by Edgardo Perez and Toby Moynihan.

Throughout the second half, Perez and Moynihan continued to create several quality shots, but the Cardinals staved off several threats en route to the win.