The Carlmont boys varsity soccer team won a blowout game 6-0 against the Hillsdale Knights, sending them to first place in the league.
The game got off to a quick start, with Hillsdale taking three corners within the first two minutes. However, Carlmont quickly gained the lead when Noah Chang-Linenberg, a senior, put a fast ground shot past the Hillsdale goalkeeper. It was immediately followed by another Carlmont goal, this time scored by Patrik Dufault-Geleziunas, a senior, off of a corner.
After an initial strong start by Carlmont, Hillsdale continued to put pressure on the Carlmont defense. However, neither team was able to score for the rest of the half, giving Carlmont a 2-0 lead going into the second half.
After a couple of close ties in previous games, Carlmont was eager for a victory. Starting goalkeeper Varun Suklikar had called a captains-only practice the day before the game, anxious to prepare as much as possible.
“I saw the guys out here yesterday playing,” said Pat Smith, Carlmont’s athletic director. “I thought it was really good they were getting together and just enjoying each other’s company and playing soccer. I think that showed out here on the field today.”
Carlmont hit their stride in the second half and quickly scored two goals to bring their lead to 4-0.
Soon after, Carlmont pushed for a fifth goal in an intense play that brought the Hillsdale goalkeeper into the far right corner of the field to make a save. It was quickly followed by a shot that rebounded off the top goal post, to the disappointment of Carlmont spectators.
Soon after, though, Dufault-Geleziunas earned a hat trick with a ground shot to the corner of the goal.
“Patrik had a hat trick,” said Jose Caballero, Carlmont’s varsity head coach. “Everybody was involved, from the back to the goalkeeper.”
However, with only five minutes left, Hillsdale goalkeeper Parker Crouse slid into the legs of sophomore Arthur Goncalves and sent him flying. Crouse was carded and sent off the field, while Goncalves was slow to get up.
“It was pretty painful,” Goncalves said. “I felt like I was flipping … then it felt like a shot to my neck.”
Goncalves was able to stand up and walk off the field, and celebrated the win with his teammates after the final whistle.
The penalty kick was taken by Suklikar, who had played goalkeeper for most of the game. His shot found the back of the net to earn his team a decisive 6-0 win.
This victory puts Carlmont in first place in the league.
“They come out, and they play hard,” Caballero said. “You can see it today; they were ready.”
Next, the team plays Menlo-Atherton at their home field. Though the team is excited about their win, they are still focused on training hard for their next opponent.
“We’re gonna go home, enjoy the weekend, go to formal, and get back to practice on Monday,” Goncalves said.
