Continuing a red-hot start to the season, the undefeated Palo Alto High School varsity boys’ soccer team (3-0-1) beat the Santa Teresa Saints (0-3) in a 4-0 win at home on Dec. 6.
The Vikings have strung together three wins without a loss, and according to senior centerback Zach Crystal, he feels the team is in for a good start as the team prepares for league matches to begin.
“We played probably our best game of the season, and it was good to just get out there and run,” Crystal said. “Everyone on the field was running at them [the Saints], everyone on the bench was cheering them on, and that’s what we’ve been doing all season.”
According to Crystal, the team made use of its bench to get the win.
“We spread the minutes around and got a lot of guys playing,” Crystal said. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re willing to do it.”
First-year Paly coach Luiz Lodino said the team’s culture has so far been a high point in the season.
“We’re excited every game,” Lodino said. “We want to play more – we played three games this week, and nobody’s complaining. We want to show early what we’re here for, and that’s a new culture that everyone’s embraced.”
Controlling the game from the opening whistle, the Vikings started off strong with an early goal into the right corner from senior centerback Lucas Yuan. Both teams played with high energy and a fast pace, but the Saints struggled to advance the ball and initiate their offense due to a strong Viking defensive effort, anchored by senior goalkeeper Jacob Kinsky.
According to Paly junior midfielder Jonathan Yuen, the team’s effort level and collaborative effort were crucial.
“Team spirit was critical to our success today,” Yuen said. “We had a couple people who were sick, but they still showed up to support the team.”
Due to the lead, the Vikings made a number of substitutions in the second half, letting the legs of starting players get some rest. The bench kept up the pressure in the second half, shutting down any efforts by the Saints to come back – defensively secured by the efforts of senior goalkeeper Rahul Shetty. Continuing its offensive momentum, the team also scored three goals to accompany the shutout, with one from junior James Park and two from sophomore fullback Rohan Bhatt.
Although the Saints went scoreless in the game, Santa Teresa junior defender Dylan Hightower said the loss wasn’t a reason to be discouraged.
“I like the atmosphere, and love all the support,” Hightower said. “It’s just one loss – I’m not going to let this tear me down.”
According to Lodino, this win was important to establish a strong team culture as the season begins, especially after a draw against the Sacred Heart Prep Gators in the second game.
“This season is going to be about ups and downs,” Lodino said. “We tie a game 2-2, we win 6-0 next time. They [the Vikings] have the mentality that they need to bounce back – what we want for the season is nothing less than that.”
As the Vikings continue to practice for league matches, culture remains important for every member of the team. After a mediocre record the previous season (7-8-4), Lodino said the team’s goal is reaching the Central Coast Section playoffs this year.
“We want to get to CCS,” Lodino said. “We want to get it out there, and we want to show that we’re here and mean business.”
Looking to continue an undefeated start, the Vikings are scheduled to play their next match at noon Saturday in a home game against the Monta Vista Matadors, who also remain undefeated through their first three games (2-0-1).
