The MVHS boys soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NorCal Division II playoffs after a 3-1 victory over Vista del Lago on Tuesday, March 5.
“NorCal state games are always great to win,” head coach Jim McGuirk said. “You never know what to expect because you see teams you’ve never played before.”
The Spartans started strong, with junior defender Brayden Graham and senior striker Akshay Chugh scoring two quick goals within the first ten minutes. MVHS dominated the rest of the first half, with Graham scoring his second goal right before halftime.
“I’m happy with the bounce-back win after CCS,” Graham said. “Also happy I scored my first two [varsity] goals.”
Vista del Lago ramped up the pressure in the second half. The Eagles scored their lone goal in the 50th minute, decreasing the Spartan lead to two.
About halfway through the second half, a Vista del Lago player suffered an injury that required medical attention and took more than fifteen minutes to fully resolve.
After play resumed, the game remained close as multiple MVHS scoring chances went unfinished. However, the Spartans’ defense held strong and sealed the 3-1 win.
“We kind of died down after we were up three zero, and then they scored one on us,” Graham said. “So I think it’s important that in the next game, we stay awake the entire time just to secure the win.”
MVHS matches up against Clayton Valley Charter in the semifinals at home on Thursday, March 7.
“We’re going to play a better team on Thursday,” McGuirk said. “We just need to rest up and plan for the next game.”
