The Poly varsity boys soccer team strides onto the field, their cleats pressing into the freshly cut grass under the afternoon sun. As the starting whistle blows, the players move with precision, passing the ball skillfully and searching for the perfect opportunity to strike. Late in the game, a Poly player delivers a well-placed cross-field pass to a teammate, who halts the ball, feints past the defender and charges towards the goal. He winds up, strikes and sends the ball soaring into the net with a resounding swoosh. The crowd erupts, the scoreboard flips and Poly takes the lead.
With a 13-3-2 overall record, including a 5-0-1 record in league that secured them the league championship, the Panthers have had a strong season. Their talent and hard work now bring them to the grandest stage yet: the CIF championship. After a thrilling 3-2 semifinal victory over Silverado on Saturday, Feb. 22 the team will take on the John Glenn Eagles on Friday, Feb. 28 at a match that could cement their legacy in Gamble Gym among other Poly championship banners.
A key to Poly’s success this season has been their depth and versatility. Head coach Dan Sheridan has utilized a diverse roster, ensuring contributions from every player.
Freshman Esa Martin explained, “My role is to support the team coming off the bench when substitutions are needed. This means that I come on with full energy and can assist the team in areas where we were struggling.”
This strategy not only keeps all the players energized on the field but also provides valuable varsity experience for underclassmen, setting up Poly for continued success in the future.
Much of the team’s success also stems from their collective experience. Many players come from competitive club soccer backgrounds, bringing a deep understanding of the game.
Martin noted, “I think we have an all-around strong team, with many players coming from high levels of club experience. Whether it’s our defense, midfield or forwards, everyone has experience with soccer in some way, shape or form, which allows us to be successful throughout our season.”
While the team has performed exceptionally well this season, there are still areas for improvement.
Senior Charlie Broggie noted, “Our passion for the game sometimes gets ahead of us, leading to sometimes being overly vocal to the refs or the other team.”
As the CIF championship match approaches, maintaining composure will be key to achieving a victory. Sheridan said, “Each game gets more difficult the further you go in the CIF Playoffs.”
Coming off a heartbreaking quarterfinal loss in the previous season, the Panthers now have a chance to win their first championship since 2000. No matter the outcome, the team’s efforts and development throughout the season have marked a significant step forward in Poly boys varsity soccer history.