Boys Soccer Prepares Season With an Easy Win

On Nov. 22, Samo’s boys soccer team won 3-0 in their first scrimmage of the season against Crossroads High School. After a hectic offseason with the loss of their former head coach, Samo’s new head coach, Joe Doyle, wanted to set the tone for their upcoming season with a win.Samo started the match in a 4-3-3 formation, hoping to score goals early.In the beginning of the match, both teams were even in time of possession, but that soon changed when center midfielder Owen Koetters (’18) tapped the ball into the back of the net nearing the end of the first half. With that goal, Samo went into the second half fired up and their defense showed it – not allowing more than five shots on goal.“We played hard, we were organized, and we communicated very well,” Koetters said.Goalkeeper Nate Comay (’19) didn’t have a ton of action, as the defense shut Crossroads’ offense out. Not only did they prevent goals, but defensive back Will Wisen (’18) ran the whole length of the field, breaking ankles left and right, to extend Samo’s lead to 2-0.Samo’s offense was feeding off the defense’s energy and at 90 minute Justin Bautista (’19) put the game away by scoring Samo’s third goal. Samo got a win easily, but still have plenty to work on as their opponents will get more and more challenging.“We play well as individuals and could get better at playing as a team. Our goal as a team is to win CIF,” midfielder Ryan Lane (’19) said.