In a game filled with key defensive plays by both teams, the Palo Alto boys’ varsity soccer team (1-2-1) tied the Pioneer Mustangs (0-2-2) 0-0 on Friday night. 

This was the Vikings’ fourth game in the last five days; nevertheless, they held their ground defensively, shutting down the Mustangs for all 80 minutes. 

The frustration over the lack of scoring was evident for both teams, each receiving yellow cards at various times throughout the match. 

The contest began with Viking senior goalie, Ronan Teetzel, outstretching his arms to catch one of his many saves as the Mustangs couldn’t convert their first shot on goal at the four-minute mark.

The Mustangs kept the Vikings’ offense at bay until the Vikings finally got their first shot on goal with a missed header at the nine-minute mark. 

After several back-and-forth possessions with no shots attempted on goal, the Pioneers finally broke through the Vikings’ defense and managed to ricochet the ball off of Teetzel as it began rolling toward the goal. 

As soon as it seemed the Pioneers would score the first goal of the game and take the lead, out of nowhere came Viking senior Max Merkal, who was able to save the goal by kicking the ball out of bounds, at the last second before the ball could cross over the goal line. 

At the 32nd minute mark, the Pioneers once again gained an advantage, slipping through the Vikings’ defense for another shot on goal. However, this time, Teetzel made another great save, diving to the ground at his right and forcing the ball out of bounds. 

The first half ended in a 0-0 tie. 

For the first 10 minutes of the second half, neither team truly threatened the opponent’s goal; however, at the 58-minute mark, the Vikings missed a key opportunity in the Mustang’s penalty box, losing possession of the ball after subpar passing attempts.

As the game wore on, each team ratcheted up the defensive energy and continued to allow no free entries into their penalty area. The Vikings were given a couple of small chances to take the lead in the final minutes, but just couldn’t convert and execute against the Mustangs’ defense. 

The match ended in a draw, 0-0.

According to Viking head coach Luiz Lodino, the busy schedule this week will help prepare the Vikings for the rest of the season. 

“After being through all of this [four-game week], we will only have about one or two games each week,” Lodino said. 

According to Lodino, the team will improve as they build camaraderie and chemistry with one another. 

“We had a long talk after the game about how well they [the players] know each other, and what they know about each other,” Lodino said. “It’s a new group. Now that our next game isn’t until January 3rd, we can use the break to build trust and feel more comfortable.” 

According to Teetzel, the chemistry of the team has changed a lot.

“We definitely lacked chemistry in the beginning of the season because it is pretty much a brand new team,” Teetzel said. “But each through each practice and game, it has gotten better and better.”

According to Teetzel, the team has a lot ahead of them in their break before their next game. 

“We will do some fitness packages, and coach [Lodino] is going to set up some practices specifically for team aspects, and we will also do some social stuff,” Teetzel said. 

The Vikings will wait about three weeks to play their next game against the Saratoga Falcons (3-2) at 6 p.m. on Jan. 3, at home.