Boys’ Soccer: CCS, Here We Come

Written by Russell Gurman

Photo Credit: Russell Gurman

Sophomore Will Cabral and the rest of the varsity soccer team practicing on Coach Parks Field.

After finishing the 2008-2009 season with 4 straight wins before a disappointing defeat in the first round of the CCS playoffs to Alisal, this years boys’ soccer team began the season strong with an unofficial 3-2 victory over Monte Vista Tuesday, November 24th. Led by the 8 seniors, Wally Hansen, Adam Zuckerman, Gabriel Kaplan, Roberto Melendez, Rafa Patino, Jesus Garcia, Jonathan Jimenez, and Adrian Calderon, the Bears hope to overcome league powerhouses Terra Nova and Carlmont to once again stand atop the PAL.

Though their record does not show it, the Bears fought hard last year, only losing by more than 1 goal once, while scoring 15 goals in victories. Junior Jon Friedman says that the team is “a young, but talented team that’s looking forward to scoring lots of goals.” Another junior, Cedric Brossard, boldly states that although they are a very young team, he believes that “we have potential and we might surprise other teams.”

The Bear’s first official game, though not a league game, was played on Wednesday, December 3rd at Salinas High School. Although players were tired from the 2-hour bus ride, players seemed confident that they could pull off a victory. And they succeeded. With a 3-0 victory over host Salinas, the Bears began the season with confidence. Senior goalie Rafa Patino and sophomore goalie Derrick Carver combined to shut out the Cowboys. Senior captains Wally Hansen and Gabe Kaplan led the Bears. They celebrated the victory on the bus ride home singing songs such as the ABC’s, Twinkle Twinkle little star, and Wheels on the Bus.

On Tuesday December 8th, the Bears tied the Willow Glen Rams 2-2. Sophomore Will Cabral scored the first goal, before Carver allowed both goals. Then, sophomore Alan Propp scored the tying goal. The Bears next game was played on Wednesday, December 16th, against Palo Alto High School. Though the Bears played tough, they could not hold on, losing 2-0. Senior Wally Hansen played very well but could not catch up from the two goals allowed by Carver.

Menlo-Atherton’s next game will not be played until after Winter Break. With a 3-1-1 record, the Bears hope to begin league play on top with a game at Terra Nova High School for a tough game.