After an unconventional season that has resulted in five ties, boys soccer has wrapped up league and is heading into Division 1 CIFs tonight. With a record of 2-3-5, the team finished fourth in the Palomar league.
In their league game against Rancho Bernardo, Jan. 31, the team pulled off a 2-0 win — a game that center-back Austin Barker (12) said gave the team a confidence boost.
“That was probably our best game of the season, like a full performance where the team meshed fully,” Barker said. “I think it’s good to see that happening before we go into the playoffs.”
Their league game against Poway, Feb. 2, ended in another tie (0-0). Goalkeeper Jaden Nisperos (12) said a key factor in their motivation to triumph after a string of ties stems from playing in a league which includes local teams.
“We play more teams that are closer to us such as Rancho Bernardo and Del Norte,” he said. “There are a lot of teammates who are friends that we know, which always gives a good competition and a fun rivalry.”
In addition to the rivalry games fostering the team’s competitive spirit, the games have also allowed them to fine-tune their skills and formations.
“We play a 3-5-2, which allows for more aggressiveness,” Nisperos said. “[We’re putting] a lot more pressure up top, waiting for the mistakes of the other team that we can easily pounce and score a quick count attack. Most of our goals that we did have came from set pieces of free kicks, throw-ins, and corners. So we’re looking to capitalize on those.”
Midfielder Dominic Hubshmitt (12) said they are also focusing on finishing their shots.
“We do a lot of shooting practice as we’ve realized that that’s what we need to do,” Hubshmitt said. “A lot of the scoring opportunities aren’t just for the strikers, so it’s a group thing we’re working towards.”
The team lost their final two league games against San Pasqual, Feb. 7, and Del Norte, Feb. 9. Coach Kevin Ashwell said he was disappointed and is looking to regroup before CIFs begin.
“The last couple of games were a little bit disappointing,” Ashwell said. “Both teams we played before [and] got ties from them. This time, [the team was] turned around and got two losses. [We’ll be doing] intense practices getting back to fundamentals.”
With the first game coming up tonight, Barker said he is looking forward to the results.
“I’m really confident because I think we have a good group of seniors and also juniors who have been there before,” he said. “A lot of our team has been in the playoffs before and knows what it feels like to lose and then also win. So, I think it’ll be good confidence-wise. We know what we’re getting into.”
