Varsity Boys Soccer Shoots for a League Title With Younger Team

Mark Troung, Staff Writer

As the Varsity Boys Soccer Team starts their season, they hope to fully utilize the talent and hard work of every player, continue to win games, and potentially win League for the third year in a row. 

   Senior Skylar Niefert said, “We got off to a rocky start, losing the last match that we had against Hoover, but I believe that the notable talent of many players on the team will lead us to win League and go far in CIF. For example, our go-to goal scorer, Mohamed Hassan, has been scoring lots of goals and helped us greatly.”

    The team has its sights set on yet another League title and is doing all it can to get there. Another smaller goal is to perform well against Cathedral Catholic High. Niefert said, “This season I want to win another League title, and I am looking forward to playing against Cathedral again, because last year, they beat us by a lot of goals and hopefully we’ll give them a hard match this time and beat them.”

   The teamwork the boys have fostered on the field is considered to be one of their main strengths. Senior Rowan Hicks said, “We are able to work very well together which helps us win more games and play better as a unit. The teamwork we have sets us apart from other teams.”

   This season there are quite a few younger players on the Varsity Team. Hicks stated, “Compared to last year, there are a lot more sophomores on the team, which is good because that means they have a lot more time to improve their game and gain more experience. Although a few key players from last year left the team, we’ve been able to fill all the major holes in our squad.” 

   Key positions and players on the field help enhance the team’s performance and success. “We have very strong players such as Jack Amos and Joe Totoris, who both play in the midfield. Jack is known for being fast, quick on his feet, and a great player,” added Senior A.J. Iniguez. Iniguez explained his role on the team: “As a defender, I push the team up on the field with my passes, and I like to be aggressive and defend the strikers and attack.”

   “We pass the ball very well and stick together on the field during matches, which led to us scoring goals during our games. A strategy we use in a game is one-two touch, which is when we control the soccer ball away from our body so we can pass it easily, and make sure there are two to three players able to receive the ball,”said Hicks.

   Iniguez concluded, “We work hard. I’m excited to see how our effort will pay off. I’m sure we’ll make it far into CIF. We’ve got a decent squad and are ready to challenge other teams.”