The varsity soccer team had a successful 2015-16 season that concluded with a CIF Southern Section Championship and a CIF Regional Championship. The Cubs ended last year’s season ranked first in the state and fifth in the country. The Cubs look to repeat their success last season as they prepare for this season.
The Cubs lost 2-1 in a scrimmage against Palos Verdes on Nov. 22. Reflecting on the scrimmage, senior goalkeeper Antonio Chavez-Borrelli said, “I think there were plenty of positives to build off of after the PV game, especially offensively, but the result reminded us that we need to a better job of not getting complacent when we have the lead.”
The team opened their regular season with the Westside Tournament on Nov. 29, when the Cubs beat Artesia by a score of 3-0. When asked about the season opener, senior center midfielder Griffin Freeman said, “The team is coming together nicely. I thought that we communicated well as a team, but I think our team defense and our finishing could have been better, but overall it was a good game and a good result.”
After beating the Braves 3-0 on Dec. 1. The Cubs’ next matchups in the Westside Tournament are against Jordan on Dec 6. and South Torrance on Dec. 13. The Cubs will finish their run in the Westside Tournament on Dec. 15 against Peninsula.
Head coach Chris Walter ’93 knows that the team lost a lot of seniors from last year, but he said, “The juniors from last year have stepped up into the leadership roles and have been continuing the tradition of working hard.”
Walter is also excited about the new rising players and expects much from his team. He said, “The new players have brought a lot of new energy to the team. The players that were on the team last year have tasted success and want to continue it.”
Assistant coach Trevor Mutch ’98 said the ultimate goal is to win and defend the CIF Title. Mutch knows that the team has lost some leadership from last season’s seniors but sees potential in the team’s young players. Mutch said, “We miss them, but we don’t rebuild; we reload. Hopefully our new players bring a lot of excitement.”
The Cubs next scheduled tournament is the Oceanside Tournament, which will take place over winter break at the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside from Dec. 27–30. The Cubs’ league debut against rival Harvard-Westlake is scheduled for Jan. 4.