Boys soccer season ends

The Palo Alto boys soccer team ended its season on Feb. 14 with a 2-1 loss to Los Gatos High School, leaving the team a league record of three wins, five losses and four draws and an overall record of seven wins, eight losses and five draws.

Despite their loss to Los Gatos, the Vikings managed to win their previous game against Fremont High School  by a score of 4-3. This was vital in order for the team to stay in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) De Anza Division and not be bumped down to the El Camino Division, the lower league in which it competed in during the 2012-13 season.

“I think we did pretty well considering we were in the lower division last year and we lost 10 seniors and eight of them started,” senior goalkeeper Tony Maharaj said. “I think the new guys stepped up and helped us get fourth place.”

The end of this season marks the end of the Palo Alto High School soccer careers for seniors Cina Vazir, Neal Biswas and Maharaj.

“[It’s] kind of sad to have finished my soccer career but overall it was a good experience, and I’ll miss the guys on the team” Maharaj said.

With a young team this season, Palo Alto looks ahead to improve on its record next year, as well as to solidify its position in the De Anza Division.

Potential leaders next year are sophomore Reuben Kramer, and junior Fernando Rodriguez, who are both top scorers on the team.

Freshmen Thomas Crouch and Jack Stoksik also have a chance to stand out next season.

“I think a big jump in ability comes between sophomore and freshman year, “ junior Wesley Woo said. “Our two freshmen have the ability to stand out next year.”