Another soccer season is underway and the upcoming season is looking brighter than ever before. For the first time since COVID, the SMHS soccer program finally has enough players to completely fill two separate teams. This is a stark contrast from two years ago when the team struggled to have enough players for just one team. With the incoming freshmen class being extremely passionate about soccer and just coming off of a CIF championship in middle school, SMHS soccer has been rejuvenated and is now looking to get back to former glory.
Last season, the soccer team greatly improved stylistically. While they still didn’t win a game, they played a much more enticing style of soccer, emphasizing possession rather than mindless kicking. This drastic change was due to both the players as well as the newly hired coaching staff, which consisted of Head Coach Jayro Martinez and Assistant Coaches Vincenzo Costagnolia and Kevin Aranda. “I think it’s much more important to work on the tactical side of soccer instead of the technical side. The students can work on their technique and skills outside of school, but as a group, we need to make sure we are organized so we don’t do any unnecessary running and embarrass ourselves,” Coach Jayro said. In addition, there was much greater involvement in the soccer program from the team’s booster team, which led by Beatriz Alfaro, organized various fundraisers for the team and bought the necessary equipment for the team to properly practice.
This year, the soccer season features 7 preseason games and 10 league games. However, due to the ongoing Los Angeles referee strike, some of those preseason games may be canceled. “I think our best chances of winning games this year is during the preseason, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we do happen to win a few games during league. As long as we work hard during practice and play smart, I’m sure that the team will perform,” Varsity captain Toby Pedroza, 11, said. For the team, a few notable games include their games against Calvary Chapel, San Gabriel, and Bosco Tech, teams that they team has had moderate success against in recent years. The team will also play Sierra Canyon, which will be a massive challenge, considering that Sierra Canyon is five divisions higher.