The Palo Alto High School girls’ soccer team (0-3-1) lost 0-4 on Wednesday to rival Archbishop Mitty High School (1-0).  

This was the third preseason game, with Paly losing and tying in previous games. In Mitty, the Vikings faced one of the top soccer teams in the area, a team they have lost to often in previous years. 

During the first half of the game, the Vikings defended against the Monarchs and their aggressive power shots but ultimately ceded two goals. Seniors Micaela Wong and Leela Srinivasan controlled the midfield, trying to ease their way to a goal, but they could not crack the Mitty defense. 

Junior goalie Tyler Varner caught and cleared several balls. But, within the first 10 minutes Mitty scored on a long shot. Despite great defense from Paly, Mitty managed another goal, bringing the score to 2-0 as half time approached.

“We started very shaky, but I think we accomplished a lot,” Vikings Coach Ernesto Cruz said.

The Vikings stepped up their game in the second half, playing more aggressively. Wong had solid strikes, however, throughout the second half, Paly had difficulties stealing the ball from Mitty, which scored once again, bringing the lead to 3-0. Although Paly put up a strong fight, Mitty walked away with the victory.

“We probably need to connect better and we just need to keep the ball cause we kind of lost it today,” junior Samantha Pao said.

The Vikings’ next game is away at 2:20 p.m. tomorrow against Saint Francis High School (4-0).