The Paly boys varsity soccer team lost 2-1 at home against Santa Clara on Wednesday.

Going into the game, senior Lucas Yuan was optimistic of the team’s chances to climb up the league table.

“I think we’ve worked really hard in practice to prepare for the game, and I’m confident that we’ll show that out on the field.” Yuan said.

The game started evenly between the two teams, but a long range strike from Santa Clara cannoned down off the underside of the crossbar, making the score 1-0 midway through the first half.

“I think we played good, but once they scored we put our heads down and didn’t fight back for the next 30 minutes.” junior Cole Baker said.

In the second half, the Vikings upped the ante, putting more pressure on the away side particularly in the midfield.

“When we went more aggressive in the midfield in the second half it got good results, even if the scoreline didn’t necessarily suggest that,” Senior Zachary Crystal said.

Despite this, the Vikings found themselves 2-0 down after a powerful shot blazed past goalkeeper Jacob Kinsky at his near post. The Vikings kept pushing forward in the last twenty minutes and eventually won a free kick, which was dispatched by sophomore Andy Comsa. However, it proved to be only a consolation goal.

“I think after the second goal, we did well to rally back and score one, but we were still flustered and not playing our version of the game.” Baker said.

This game highlighted shortcomings in the team, lots of which are small details, that they will look to address in weeks to come.

“After the game we were really frustrated, but we took accountability and are already looking forward to the next game in the schedule.” Crystal said.

Up next, the Vikes take on Los Altos this Friday hoping to get back to winning ways.