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The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

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Boys’ soccer dominates league, ranked 31st in nation

Bolarinwa dribbles the ball towards the goal. Bolarinwa made one goal. Photo by Saba Moussavian
Bolarinwa dribbles the ball towards the goal. Bolarinwa made one goal. Paly beat Gunn 3-0. Photo by Saba Moussavian.

The Palo Alto High School boys’ soccer team (10-1-2, 6-0) is dominating the De Anza League and is currently ranked 31st in the nation and 11th in the state, according to Maxpreps.

Junior goalkeeper Eli Friedlander attributes the Vikings’ success to a strong line of defense.

“We’ve won most of our games 1-0, so even though we’re not scoring a ton, we’re staying in every game just because of the fact that we’re not allowing any goals,” Friedlander said.

Assistant coach Amir Malekpour agreed, stating that all players have stepped up this season.

“Our keepers have been great, and really our back line — all of them — have really shut down the opponent and have done great,” Malekpour said. “[Sophomore] Derek [Schoenberger] is a great center midfielder who has been incredible for us. [Sophomore] Michel [Siaba], a great forward with speed, has been through a couple of injuries this season [but is] still fighting for goals.”

After conceding zero goals so far, the team is focused on maintaining its lead and winning league, according to Malekpour.

“We’re approaching each team differently, focusing more on their weakness, what happened in our previous meeting and working to keep possession and utilize the speed we have,” Malekpour said.

As keeper, Friedlander echoed similar sentiments of focusing on the steps along the way of the season and maintaining the shutout.

“I don’t really look at it as pressure to not allow any goals the entire season,” Friedlander said. “I look at it more as just trying to win game by game and do the best I can to make sure it happens.”

The Vikings will take on Los Altos High School at 3:30 p.m. today on the Eagles’ turf.

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