The Paly Vikings fell to the Homestead Mustangs 1-0 in an exciting match this Thursday afternoon.

The first half was very back and forth, with both the Vikings and the Mustangs demonstrating fierce determination and athleticism. The rain throughout the half put no damper
on the players’ spirits, with strong offense being shown by the Vikings in the first few minutes, but equally strong defense from the Mustangs.

Early on in the half, Homestead’s goalie put a stop to Paly’s predominantly offensive game, but it was quickly matched with a block from Viking goalie Michel-Ange Siaba (‘17). In addition to a strong showing in the goal, Matt Knowles (‘18) commanded the defensive side of the field with consistent awareness and high level of strategic play.

“The back line with Matt [Knowles], Nathan [Seto (‘19)], and Thomas [Crouch (‘17)] played well on defense, defensively we’re doing pretty well,” Coach Briggs said when asked about who stood out on the field.

Though Paly did remain strong throughout the half, the score remained unchanged from the start of the game and the first half ended 0-0.

At the start of the second half, the intensity picked up, with both Paly and Homestead charging down the field, determined to score. That determination ultimately led to a goal by Homestead at the 20 minute mark after a string of long, quick passes down the field.

Later in the half, Siaba (‘17) was substituted out and sophomore Patrick McIntosh replaced him in the goal. Soon after, Siaba (‘17) returned as a field player and worked as a key member of Paly’s offense.  

As the game progressed, both teams played more aggressively, but even after a Homestead player was awarded a yellow card in the last minute of the game for pushing Paly’s Derek Schoenberger (‘17) to the ground, Paly was unable to come back.

The game ended with a final score of 1-0.

“We really need to work on our finishing, on getting the ball in the back of the net. If we can do that, we’re set,” said Xander Sherer (‘18) in response to what the team can work on when entering their next week of games.

Paly is scheduled to play again on Tuesday, January 6th at Santa Clara High School at 6.