In a 3-0 loss, the Varsity Boys Soccer team faced a fierce Burlingame lineup on Wednesday, January 10th for their first league match of the season. The teams seemed evenly matched in the goalless first half, with the rainy conditions affecting their performances. “We came out very strong in the first half and [had more possession],” senior Brody McKenna said.
In the second half, the Burlingame Panthers scored three goals to make the final score 3-0. “We need to capitalize on our opportunities better, ” McKenna said. Although disappointed, senior captain Mathew Ruiz views the game as a learning experience. “We didn’t get the win, as we would have liked, but [I am] proud of the team. We’re still working, […] and it’s still early in the season,” he said.
The team’s preseason record was 2-5-1 (two wins, five draws and one loss). With five starters facing injuries, they found their games challenging. “When our team was at full strength we had some good games, like our 2-1 win against Woodside,” McKenna said. Ruiz has been battling a knee hyperextension injury, senior defender Logan Dunlap has been fighting an ankle sprain since the recent matchup against Woodside, as well as junior Alex Dils who suffered a broken wrist vs Mils. There are still positives to the eight-match preseason: “It gave a lot of exposure to the younger players, which will help us down the line,” Ruiz said.
The program is full of young faces, with many sophomores and juniors called up to the Varsity squad this year. Although promising for the future, this puts pressure on the seniors to show them the ropes. “We really have to lead by example, [we’re] showing the younger guys that [Varsity gameplay] is more physical and faster-paced than JV,” Ruiz said.
In yet another tough game, the team lost 3-0 to Menlo-Atherton on Friday. The team has taken the loss in stride and is looking forward to a home game against Half Moon Bay on Wednesday. Ruiz is convinced that their best matches still lay ahead. “Our goal this season is to come together as a team. We play our best when we’re working together as brothers. […] We have the talent to beat any team, it’s just about coming together as a team,” Ruiz said.