The MVHS boys soccer team lost in a close 1-1 (4-5 PKs) game against Everett Alvarez on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The two teams were evenly matched throughout the first half as the period ended scoreless. After senior goalkeeper Parker Lunn fouled an Alvarez player in the box and received a yellow card, which forced him out of the game, junior defender Patrick McGuirk made the save to keep the score level.
About ten minutes later, Alvarez scored their first goal of the game. In the 79th minute, senior defender Sohum Kumar played a long pass to senior midfielder Niko Dekovic, who placed it past the Alvarez keeper to tie the game at 1-1.
Extra time was uneventful, aside from a few rogue chances that went unfinished. In the penalty kick shootout, each of the teams’ first three shooters converted. Dekovic missed MVHS’s fourth, but Lunn made a save to keep it level. Junior midfielder Cyrus Shafie scored the fifth, but Alvarez’s attempt barely squeaked past Lunn. Finally, senior forward Wesley Liu had his attempt saved, and Alvarez scored their final shot to win the game.
MVHS’s season isn’t over as they will compete in the CIF Regional Soccer Championships after their win over Mitty last Saturday. Their opponent is yet to be decided.
