This year’s edition of the annual Harvard Law School intramural futsal league has kicked off with a bang. Weeks into the Spring 2024 season, the indoor soccer league has captivated the HLS community, drawing players and spectators alike into the spirited competition.
One team having noteworthy success this season is the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic — Harshit Patel Faction.” (HPF) Their name, as explained by team captain Hussain Awan, HLS ‘24 is in reference to the clinical credits of many members and the feisty on-court personality of one teammate in particular.
Patel, HLS ’25, scored a goal and had two assists in last Friday’s 5-2 victory over the V for Victory (1-3), the 1L Section Five squad. Peter Goeckner, HLS ‘25, referred to the team’s namesake as a key part of the team’s success. Goeckner describes Patel as “the golden boy” of the team, for his contributions.
Patel was likewise effusive in his praise of Goeckner, describing his teammate’s recent five-goal performance. “He’s representative of the team’s fighting spirit,” said Patel. Despite being sidelined with a broken hand, Goeckner is still considered integral to team culture by his colleagues.
The strongest performer in Friday’s outing was Cosimo Fabrizio, HLS ’25, who scored a hat-trick (3 goals) during the effort. “I’m just trying to make Harshit happy” said Fabrizio. “I’m glad my performance was sufficient to accomplish this worthwhile endeavor.”
Awan described his team as “a real embodiment of the HLS community.” Most of HPF are 2Ls who have gotten to know each other through social events and their courses at HLS. “This league gives us the chance to strengthen old bonds and forge new ones.“ he continued.
Under the meticulous organization of Lucas Rodriguez, HLS ‘24, the league commissioner, the “futsal” season has seen an unprecedented level of participation and excitement.
With eight teams vying for the championship, Rodriguez expressed his satisfaction with the league’s success, stating, “We’re so excited about the number of teams playing this year.”
The matches are held weekly at QRAC or Hemenway, campus gyms near the law school campus. The league’s format ensures that excitement remains high throughout the season. Six teams advance to the quarterfinals based on regular season standings. A semifinals week follows, and the season concludes with a final week where the champions are crowned.
Tori Borlase, HLS ‘25, the captain of “For the Gworls,” the only all-women’s team in the league, is also looking forward to fighting for the championship. “The league is a great way to keep playing soccer throughout the colder months,” she said, “as well as an opportunity to form a closer bond with smaller groups of players.”
As the quarterfinals approach, anticipation builds, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to a season that has brought the HLS community closer together through the love of “the beautiful game”.
“These moments on the futsal court,” Awan said, “are building blocks for lifelong friendships.”