Nearly impenetrable defense stops LHS in its tracks, unstoppable offense comes back to win the game. 

[button target=”_blank” style=”” class=”” link=”https://www.elestoque.org/boys-soccer-schedule/”]Schedule[/button]                [button target=”_blank” style=”” class=”” link=”https://www.elestoque.org/boys-soccer-roster/”]Roster[/button]                [button target=”_self” style=”” class=”” link=”https://www.elestoque.org/category/sports/winter-sports/boys-soccer/”]Boys Soccer Home[/button]

In its third regular season game, the MVHS boys soccer team showed visitors Lynbrook High School whose house it was. This was a much anticipated game for the Matadors as LHS would be a difficult competitor.

“Going into the game, we knew LHS defeated [Milpitas] — a team we tied,” junior Greg Moe said.
“We had to put in more than 100% in order to win the game.”

MVHS started off the game strong with several offensive drives,including a corner kick that just missed the goal. LHS, however, kept the Matadors on their toes from the very first half of the game as they scored the first goal early.

“After we went down 1-0, we knew we had to protect our home court,” junior captain Brad Ohadi said. “We have never lost at home, and I wanted to keep that streak going.” Ohadi also noted the LHS team improved this season, making them a tough opponent. “We went into the game with the mindset that they are one of the best teams in the league.”

Several defensive plays prevented LHS from scoring any more goals, including a block from junior Anurag Kelkar of what could have been a Lynbrook goal. Several saves by junior goalie Anirudh Srinivas denied the Vikings any chances of regaining the lead.

The Matadors retaliated with an onslaught of offensive drives, including an attempt at a goal by junior Chatty Adiga in the 22nd minute, though no goal came out of it. Sophomore Eric Pala pushed through and tied the game with a goal halfway into the first half.

The first half closed with the game tied 1-1.

A corner kick from Pala to Ohadi scored MVHS’ second goal of the game, making the score 2-1. Shortly after, yet another drive in the 44th minute by Ohadi brought the score up to 3-. Ohadi had yet another opportunity to score at the 68th minute with a penalty kick, but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and did not make it in.

Kelkar continued to be key to the Matador’s defense after stealing the ball after a powerful offensive drive from Lynbrook. Additional aid from strong defenders junior Chatty Adiga, senior Eric Polgar, and Moe on top of Srinivas’ goal-saving technique continued to deny LHS any more goals.

[quote_right]“We have a lot of injuries right now, so we have to rest and stay healthy.” — junior Brad Ohadi [/quote_right]Ohadi suffered a minor injury to his Achilles tendon and was subbed out at 70 minutes for the remainder of the game as Adiga reentered the field. Despite this, the team held on for the rest of the game, securing the win for Monta Vista.

In preparation for the rest of the season, Ohadi hopes the team will take care of themselves physically.

“We have a lot of injuries right now, so we have to rest and stay healthy,” he said.

The Matador’s next game is at home on Jan. 24 against Wilcox HS.