In a crosstown clash, the Palo Alto High School boys’ soccer team (6-2-2) played Gunn High School (0-2-2) to a 1-1 draw on Friday.

The Vikings took an early lead in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League showdown when senior defender Mark Raftery scored with a stellar free kick to the right post from around 20 yards out. Paly kept up the pressure in the first half, with senior forward Tony Panayides, sophomore forward Skylar Felt and Raftery carving up Gunn’s defense with excellent passing and communication. Senior captain and midfielder John Richardson was a key player, helping Paly gain the majority of possession by efficiently distributing balls and hustling all over the field.

Paly got solid defense from junior defender Gerrit van Zyll and junior keeper Kris Hoglund to preserve a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The momentum shifted in the second half when Gunn locked down on defense and denied numerous Paly scoring opportunities. The Titans managed to rally with only three minutes left in the game when senior forward Mason Naar scored a header for the equalizer.

Paly entered the game leading the league but will likely fall out of the top spot as a result of the tie.

The Vikings will play Los Altos in their next home game on Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m.