The boys varsity soccer team tied Homestead 1-1 on senior night.
Seniors from both teams had their names announced at the Feb. 12 game as fans applauded and the players walked through a guard of honor. Paly seniors walked down the line with family and friends, holding playful signs and flowers.
The VIkings started off strong, scoring in the opening minutes and holding the lead through halftime. However, Homestead scored in the early minutes of the second half to even the game.
Senior Khrisar Magana-Chavez said fatigue and overconfidence contributed to the shift in momentum.
“I feel like it is us feeling tired, ” Magana-Chavez said. “And once we saw that we were winning 1-0, it felt like we had this in the bag; we were going to win.”
Head coach Luiz Lodino said his team played good but needed stronger communication in the second half.
“We did very well,” Lodino said. “(Homestead is) good this year and we won the first game, and tied this game, and we definitely showed dominance against homestead. (We could improve) communication in the second half, the team was very quiet sometimes.”
Lodino also said the team lacked organization coming out of halftime.
“We didn’t start connected,” Lodino said. “ And then they scored a goal in the first minute.”
Despite the tie, Magana-Chavez said the night was special, particularly because of the team’s energy on the bench.
“My favorite memory tonight was actually the amazing bench that we had,” Magana-Chavez said. “We were so hyped up. It just felt amazing being on the field and hearing your teammates cheer for you.”
Senior Tristan Battumur said he really enjoyed his senior night.
“You only get senior night once in your high school career,” Battumur said. “So it was nice to have a lot of eyes on you, and a lot of people came out to watch us.”
In the end, Lodino said it was the team’s passion that stood out.
“What you saw today was a group of 32 kids that understand the passion of the game,” Lodino said. “I started this program for them to understand passion, and no matter where we land on the table this year, they have achieved that; they have the passion.”