Varsity boys soccer picks up its first win, 1-0 over the visiting Milpitas Trojans

After four successive losses in league play, the varsity boys soccer team finally broke their losing streak with a 1-0 performance against the Milpitas Trojans.  A goal midway through the first half by senior Christian Chu, assisted by junior Michael Kute, proved to be the game winner as the Matadors managed to display a strong defensive effort to stymie the Trojan offense. 

The Matadors, who lost to the Trojans 5-2 at Milpitas High School in their last face off, started off the game much stronger this time.  When the two teams last played each other on Jan. 5, the Matadors let in three goals in the first 10 minutes of that game.

Though the team’s leading scorer, junior Joshua LeFevre was left on the bench for picking up a red card against Mountain View High School, Chu’s return to the lineup proved to be a huge morale booster. 

"It feels good [to have scored a goal].  I haven’t done it in a while," Chu said.  "[Afterwards], it was important to make sure that we didn’t let in a stupid goal."  

Up 1-0 after the first half, the Matadors dropped back into a more defensive formation.  They maintained discipline and did not take too many risks when counterattacking.  Junior Yash Chitneni darted up the left side and nearly doubled the Matador lead, but his effort was blocked by a Trojan defender.  The Trojans had a number of chances from set plays, but each time, the Matadors remained resilient and cleared the ball to a less dangerous location.  

When the referee finally blew his whistle to signify the end of the game, the Matadors came running off the bench in celebration. 

"The first time we played [Milpitas], we were inexperienced and we showed it by being not ready and nervous," coach Mia Onodera said.  "Wins have been difficult for us so this is exciting.  It’s great that everyone is participating and putting in the team effort." 

The Matadors will walk into their next game at Los Gatos High School on Jan. 30 with confidence, hoping to start their first winning streak of the year.

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