The ball is kicked up into the air, as it makes its way back down there is less than three seconds to make a decision of where to hit the ball. All the while there is an opponent trying to get the ball as well and will do anything to get to it first. Varsity soccer player junior Jean Choi must face these decisions everyday as he trys to lead the Paly soccer team to victory.
Choi was first introduced to a soccer ball at the age of five when he played in an AYSO league, and immediately fell in love with the fast paced sport. In the fifth grade Jean and his family moved to Brazil where Jean continued to play soccer in one of the most competitive youth leagues in Brazil. In seventh grade he returned to the U.S. and joined a club soccer program where he honed his skills and looked forward to high school play.
After playing on the varsity team during sophomore year, Choi is now an influential player for the team and the team often turns to him in a tight situation for a quick score. In Paly’s three victories Choi has scored four goals, one of which was a game-changing goal in Paly’s 2-1 victory over Gunn. Choi is one of Paly’s key offensive players at mid-left and he is counted upon this year to make quick decisions in tight spots.
Despite Choi’s influence on the team, Paly has been having trouble playing well as a team and has suffered two disappointing loses in leagues. "We haven’t shown a real hunger for scoring goals, easily seen by the few number of shots we take from outside the 18," remarked Choi when asked about the teams recent losses. "And we have periods of tiredness, when our mid and defense just collapse and we usually get scored on."
However, Choi hopes that the team will be able to improve and overcome its weaknesses in time for playoffs. "By pressuring the other team, they make mistakes and lose their balance, while we develop a rhythm, create ample scoring opportunities, and control the ball for a large period of time," Choi said. "However, we have the problem of letting go of the pressure due to fatigue, so the losses we had came from teams who were given too much freedom to create a rhythm." Choi hopes that by stepping up the intensity the rest of the team will follow and they will be able to hold the pressure the entire game.
Although the team has been struggling, it is still showing signs of promise and will likely qualify for CCS. "I hope for a CCS playoff, but I think we can make it to semis," Choi said. "The other teams we will have to face will probably be Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Gunn." The competition will be tough, but if the team can pull together and strengthen its overall game, it should be able to come out on top.
Looking at the competition, it is pretty tight. Paly came out with a close 2-1 victory over Gunn on Dec. 6, and suffered a disappointing loss to Santa Clara 1-0 on Jan. 12. Paly will face another strong team, Mountain View, today at 2:15 p.m. so come out to the field to see the Paly soccer team play.