The varsity soccer team, currently ranked eighth in California according to CIF, is looking to finish the regular season with strong play in the Mission League, hopefully leading to a positive showing in the CIF Playoffs, according to Head Coach Chris Walter ’91.
The Cubs began the season with a non-conference record of 8-4. The team’s last game before league play was a 3-1 win against St. John Bosco High School on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Oceanside Tournament. This win, according to Coach Walter, was a turning point for the team because the seniors exemplified leadership and kept everyone focused for the game.
Following the Bosco win, the Cubs opened league play with home wins against Chaminade, 3-0; St. Francis, 2-0; and Crespi, 7-1. Commenting on early league wins, Coach Walter said, “The seniors got everyone very focused for the beginning of league play because that’s what counts when it comes to making the playoffs. Since we’ve been the best team in the Mission League over the last few years, there’s a target on our backs, but everyone has come together determined to win league again.”
After the Cubs’ home wins, they traveled to Alemany and Harvard-Westlake, winning 3-0 and 4-3, respectively. Junior goalkeeper Antonio Chavez-Borrelli, focusing on these wins, said, “Those two away games in the Mission League tested our ability to stay focused on our goals in unfamiliar environments that are similar to playoffs.”
The Cubs continued league play with a 5-0 win at home against Notre Dame High School on Friday, Jan. 22. Then, the Cubs played at Chaminade and St. Francis, respectively, winning each game by a margin of 1-0. “We need to keep our positive momentum going through playoffs if we want to win CIF,” said Coach Walter. “Playing well in league so far has given us the confidence we need to accomplish our goals.”
Most recently, the Cubs visited Crespi on Wednesday, Feb. 3, winning 6-0. The team has gained confidence along the way to their now 10-game winning streak, according to senior defender Matt Lalonde. “Our goal is to finish out league undefeated and with no goals scored against us and to also go through playoffs undefeated and ultimately win the CIF Championship,” said Lalonde.
This afternoon, the Cubs will continue league play with a home game against Alemany.
