Boys’ soccer starts strong coming off of semifinal loss

Violeta Buitrago / The Samohi

Ryan Cao (’24) [left] and Kyle Kolhoff (’24) [right] play out of the back in their scrimmage vs. Animo High School. Samo and Animo tied 2-2.

Boys’ Soccer has returned for the 23-24 winter season, and the varsity team is off to a successful start. So far, they’ve won their first three games, scoring 4-1 against Beverly Hills on Dec. 1, 5-0 against La Puente on Dec. 4, and 3-2 at Selsian on Dec. 6. Riding off of their recent success, Asa Colwell (’25) is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“Last season was very unfortunate considering that we lost in the CIF semifinals, but I’m excited for this season,” Colwell said. “We have a great squad and have done very well so far during this pre-season.”

The coaching staff remains the same this season; Head Coach Chris Sandoval advises the team with the help of Assistant Coaches Chris Garcia and Chris Diaz. In the 22-23 season, the team had a 63% success rate with 14 wins, 8 losses and 1 tie. Ranking 45th within the Southern Section and third within the Bay League, the varsity team scored a total of 39 goals all season. 

When the time came for the CIF Soccer Regionals, the team suffered a disheartening loss of 1-3 in the semifinals to San Pasqual. Boys’ Varsity Soccer hopes to make up for last season’s performance and make it to championships. With all three captains graduating last season, they have been succeeded by Captains Dylan Galperin (’24), Jesse Howard (’24), Manu Castagna (’24) and Atreyu Lucas (’24). 

“This year our team is a lot more organized, our chemistry is stronger, we are all fighting passionately in our games and we are all eager to win a [CIF] ring,” Lucas said. “Overall I would say our team is looking really good, and I’m excited for the upcoming season!”

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