On Friday, Dec. 5, the Archie Williams boys varsity soccer team took on the Tamalpais High School Hawks in their second preseason game. The game took place at the Falcons’ home field, Red Hill, where they fought through a close game with high energy and determination. The game concluded with a final score of 0-1, the Falcons falling short by one goal from the Hawks.
As the game began, the Falcons came out with competitive determination and high energy, using this to provide junior Devin Singh with several shot attempts, which were unsuccessful. Throughout the first half of the game, the ball moved up and down the field, with both teams trading chances. Although the team was in a bit of a rut, the bench stayed loud with cheers and high spirits, offering plenty of motivation. Even as a newly formed group, the players already show strong chemistry and a familiar bond both on and off the field.
Sophomore Babu Virgo believes that the relationships the boys on the team have with one another bring up the energy on the field and thinks that this will benefit them through the rest of the season.
“The team chemistry and the brotherhood and community that we’ve been forming over the course of the season, helps with everything, and it’s only going to go up from here,” Babu said.
After multiple missed shots from both teams, the first half ended scoreless at 0-0. The Hawks came out of halftime pressing high, which allowed them to intercept a pass going back to a Falcon defender, giving Tam the opportunity to score the first goal of the game. Despite giving up a goal, Archie Williams did not back down. Senior team captain Sean Chamberlin attempted many goals but was ultimately ineffective.
The Falcons maintained their strong offensive pressure but picked up a yellow card early in the second half. Senior team captain Isaac Terry kept control of Archie Williams’ defensive half of the field, preventing Tam’s offense from getting past and putting up any more shots. Despite the loss, he keeps his attitude positive and looks forward to the regular season.
“I think that we all need to just be more vocal during games and all work a little harder, not that it’s a problem, but I think it’s something we all could work on,” Isaac said.
The regular season kicks off in January, and until then, Archie Williams boys varsity head coach René Ayala emphasizes the hard work ahead while staying optimistic about what’s to come.
“What I’m taking away from it is that we’re competitive, we can play with the top teams, and we’re ready to make adjustments whenever we need to,” Ayala said.
The boys varsity soccer team’s next game will be against the Acalanes High School Dons Tuesday, December 9, at Acalanes.
