After last year’s disappointing season, the varsity boys soccer team begin its season in mediocre fashion. The true test begins after winter break when the Panthers commence league play.
By JASON LEUNG
Assistant sports editor
Every winter, the invasion of orange tracksuits on Poly’s campus signals the arrival of soccer season. These “pumpkin suits” are worn as reminders to the rest of the students that on these specific days, Poly boys soccer team will be taking the pitch against an opponent. So far, the boys soccer team has started a pedestrian 2-2-1. However, that record is not indicative of the true talent of the team. Their losses came against soccer powerhouses Van Nuys and Burroughs, two large public schools. Against Maranatha, La Salle and Santa Clarita Christian, schools similar in size to Poly, the soccer team finished an impressive 2-0-1. In those games, the team outscored their opponents 14-2, an unbelievable ratio for a team that did not qualify for the CIF playoffs last year. Their domination in these games comes from more than one source, as at least six players have already scored this season. From junior forward Adam Burpee to senior sweeper Eric Chalifour, everyone seems to have gotten in on the act. As a result, the future of this soccer team appears bright as they continue to sharpen their skills against these non-league opponents.
The strong performance of the team has been due to the play of a senior-laden team. Four-year varsity members Alex Goldberg and Nick Ichien have anchored the team in the midfield with their extraordinary play. According to senior defender Jordan Smith, “Their composure, leadership and dirtiness as four-year varsity players have set the tone for the rest of the team.” Members of the team often refer to Ichien’s play as “nasty, filthy, dirty and sucio,” all endearing terms indicative of a very skilled player with strong ball-control and speed. Furthermore, the defensive line has been bolstered by the return of Chalifour, who took a hiatus this last year to focus on his punting endeavors. However, with his addition, the team’s defense has become nearly impenetrable. Seniors Chalifour, Smith, Billy Olson, Neil Child and junior Charlie Baxter have worked together as a cohesive unit in order to protect junior goalie Matt Morrish.
However, the team has not relied solely on the performance of upperclassmen. Freshman Jack Birkenbeuel has been nothing short of outstanding. His quick footwork and lightning passes are impressive to even the most casual of observers. Injured freshman Benoy Menon, whose play Olson calls “fundamentally and technically sound,” will bolster the team’s playoff hopes when he returns back to the field in the upcoming month.
With league play just around the corner in January, the team has the rest of the month to prepare for their run to the playoffs. Games against South Pasadena and San Marino will be good tests for the team to gauge exactly where they need to improve. When asked about his expectations for the year, Smith replied, “I absolutely expect us to perform well and win the Prep League this year.” If the Panthers play up to their potential, they will have no major roadblocks in their way until they reach the postseason.
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