The Palo Alto boys’ soccer players are confident heading into a Santa Clara Valley Athletic League showdown against crosstown rivals Gunn High School at home.
Sophomore defender Grant Shorin thinks the Vikings will be able to control the Titans, who have been 0-2-1 in league play.
“We have a better team this year than last year so I feel we have a good chance,” Shorin said.
Junior forward James Maa agrees.
“I feel pretty confident, I think we’re going to win,” Maa said.
While Paly has gained momentum (2-0-0) since the start of league play, Gunn has struggled to win games.
“We have a strong start [to the] season and Gunn’s season doesn’t look too good,” Maa said. “They lost to Los Altos pretty badly.”
Junior midfielder Gerrit van Zyll attributes Gunn’s slow start to graduation and changes in their starting line-up.
“Many of Gunn’s key players have left the team like center midfielders Sterling Hancock and Enzo Cabili,” junior midfielder Gerrit van Zyll said.
However, the Titans still have other talented players like junior midfielder Sammy Hayward and junior keeper Paul Blanchette who will challenge the Vikings’ offensive strength. Last year the two teams split the season series, with Paly winning the first encounter, 1-0, and Gunn the second with a score of 3-0.
The game will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, at Paly.