Boys and girls Varsity soccer set high goals for upcoming season

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Gabriela Yacoub

Junior Henry Escobar attempts to dribble past multiple San Rafael High opponents.

The AWHS boys and girls Varsity soccer teams head into their respective Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) seasons with the goal of winning titles. Both teams started off their season undefeated: as of Dec. 6, 2021, the girls Varsity soccer team is 5-0 and the boys Varsity team is 2-0.

The girls team is emerging into the season with a mix of young and experienced players. The young talented players have already proven their worth, with freshman striker Phoebe Morf scoring two goals against Ukiah on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

“We have a bright future because we have so many great underclassmen attackers,” said girls Varsity coach Jeff Mahaney. 

With this young group of players, the team has high expectations for their season this year. Coming off of last year’s season where the team went 6-4, they hope to improve upon this record  and compete for titles not only in MCAL but also the North Coast Section (NCS). The players are confident in their abilities, and hope they can show them off in important games this season.

“I think this team can go very far this year in MCAL and NCS, and we will hopefully be able to win a couple banners,” Coach Mahaney said.

AWHS girls Varsity soccer walks off the field after a 4-0 victory over San Rafael High. (Jasmin Desruisseau)

The boys team hopes to have a better season than they did last year. Last year was tough for the boys, with a record of 1 win, 4 draws, and 3 losses. This year the team confidently feels that they can compete with any team in the league. 

“We are looking forward to the season and hope to win banners and compete for titles,” said senior defender Zack Lillington.

Upperclassmen, whose experience and talent will be a vital part of the team’s success, will lead the team this year.The talented upperclassmen have already shown how valuable they are. In the boys’ first game against San Rafael High, senior striker Owen Benson scored 3 goals to lead the team to a 3-1 victory.

“This team has talented players all over the field, and we have great leaders as well,” said boys Varsity coach Rene Ayala.

The boys and girls varsity soccer programs share goals of winning the MCAL title and being competitive in the NCS playoff tournament.