On Friday, Feb. 7, the Archie Williams boys varsity soccer team took on the Tamalpais High School Hawks in their last home game of the regular season. The game took place at the Falcons’ home field after being postponed due to poor weather conditions. With a guaranteed spot in first place in the league, the Falcons fought a tough and close game with high energy and determination, concluding with a tied score of 1-1, and a ceremony to celebrate the seniors on the team.
Archie Williams varsity soccer head coach Rene Ayala opened up the game by taking a moment to honor both teams’ graduating players in the class of 2025. Quickly into the match, the Bleach Boys put up a strong defense and displayed impressive teamwork against Tam’s competitive offense.
The bench was full of high spirits and uplifted the team with cheers that offered motivation and excitement. The team’s chemistry and bonded community flows just as well off the field as it does on.
“We’re like brothers, it’s great,” said senior Nolan Kriessman. “The energy and being loud [from the bench] just brings up the atmosphere and helps everyone play better.”
Throughout the first half of the game, the ball went back and forth between the teams. After several missed shot attempts, the first half came to a close with a tied score of 0-0.
The Falcons came out of halftime determined and brought it back at the top of the second half. Starting with the ball, the Falcons picked up good offense quickly and pushed past Tam’s strong defense to secure the first goal of the game. Assisted by senior forward Willy Finley, sophomore striker Devin Singh caught the goalie off guard with a shot 25 yards out.
After being fouled in the box, the Falcons received a yellow card and the Hawks were awarded a penalty kick, which they converted, to tie up the score 1-1. Block after block, sophomore goalie Jack Kasin prevented the Hawks from taking the lead and didn’t let anything past him. The team’s offense held up strong, allowing more efforts to score, which were unsuccessful.
The game concluded with the final score of 1-1, the Falcons remaining first in the league. Their strong defense and enthusiasm helped them finish the game strong.
“Tam’s a tough team and especially coming out of a tie against Redwood [High School], we really played great and matched the competition. Keeping our energy and motivation up definitely helped with that,” said sophomore Charlie Hinkelman.
Ayala wrapped up the night by allowing each of the 17 seniors a chance to step up and reflect on the season and their soccer careers so far, including giving thanks to those who have supported them.
The Falcons will host their next home game Wednesday, Feb. 12, for the MCAL playoffs semi-finals against the lowest seed remaining.
“The [team’s] talent and their ability to come together, to form a unified team, to trust each other, is what’s really helped us throughout the season,” Ayala said. “We’re excited for next week. It’s an honor to be in the playoffs. There’s a lot of teams that can win this thing, so to have a chance is a great opportunity.”
