Boys’ soccer: Falcons learn lessons from difficult preseason matchups

With the first league game for the Falcons happening on Jan. 3, the boys’ soccer team been toughening up by playing teams from higher leagues in the preseason.

In a hard-fought 7-0 home home loss Valley Christian on Dec. 7, the team struggled to maintain control of the ball as the Warriors consistently pressed the Falcons. Strikers Brennan Wu and Solomon Bailey had some shots on goal but never managed to score against a high-powered opponent.

The Falcons were also shut out 3-0 vs. Los Gatos on Dec. 1. The Wildcats’ offensive tactics overpowered the Falcons’ defense.

So far, the Falcons’ sole win has been against Harker on Nov. 29. They pounded the Eagles 6-2 as senior captain and attacker Kevin Yu scored three goals.

Coming off a season when they were fourth in the El Camino Division with a record of 6-6-4, the team is looking to rebuild at key positions.

The Falcons lost four star players to graduation: Romteen Masoumi, Connor Buss, Matthew Van Den Berg and Kanaai Shah. To fill their spots, the team has picked up junior defenders Chris Auches and Scott Moriarty as well as sophomore midfielder Jules Ducrot and sophomore striker Charles Debling.

“Although we lost many key players, I think we have definitely made up for our [losses] with these younger players,” Yu said. “I think they will be able to bring a vibrant form of play style with great creativity that compliments our tactical mindset.”

Meanwhile, senior goalkeeper John Becker has earned the starting position. After making varsity his sophomore year, Becker took a break due to injuries but is now looking to help the team regain its success.

“Right now we're just working to play together better as as a team and working on fundamental drills to get all our technique back for the season and to really excel and get a strong start to the season,” Becker said.

* Due to printing deadlines, non-league games against Piedmont Hills on Dec. 12 and Aragon on Dec. 15 could not be covered in this issue.