The Boys Varsity Soccer team has had an amazing season so far, with several wins and just a few ties and losses. With an overall record of 6-6-5, the Boys Varsity Soccer team has a good chance of making it to CIF this year. It has already accomplished great feats, such as winning the Arcadia Winter Cup and beating John Muir High School. Though winning many of their games, the players experienced many challenges this season, whether it be their competition or game related issues.

Many of the obstacles the team has to face this season come from group related issues such as passing, team mentality, and other communication problems. Sophomore Daniel Vargas stated that the issues the team faces now are that “we need to improve our passing and the team needs to focus during the game and keep going forward.”

Some improvements that the team is making to overcome these obstacles are working on passing, playing quicker, and correcting mistakes. Daniel also believed the players should stay positive when times are tough and their mentality is most important during these times. Other challenges the team face are its many competitors which have proven to be tough adversaries. Team such as Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) and Pasadena High School (PHS) are two of the biggest challenges the team has to face, and many players believe beating CVHS and PHS are the keys to having a good chance of making it to CIF.

Though the team has many challenges to overcome this season, it also has plenty of strengths to help it leap over these barriers. Many of the team’s strengths come from its ability to make a quick comeback from being scored on, especially with its powerful offense. The team’s offensive strategy is headstrong, and its ability to make opportunities and score goals is the driving force behind its victories.

Though it still has room to improve, the team has been working on its communication and rapid pace of play in order to maximize team synergy. This is how the team was able to win the Arcadia Winter Cup going 4-0. Recently, the team went toe to toe with PHS, and finished with a respectable score of 2-3.

The Boys Varsity Soccer team has quite the exceptional record this season, with a strong improvement from last winter. The team faces its obstacles, such as passing or keeping the right mindset during games, and it may have its ups and downs, but its offense and comeback ability gives it many strengths as well. The season is looking great for the boys, and with the Arcadia Winter Cup under their belt, the team is bound for great things.

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Photo by BRANDON CHEN