After a shaky 2-5 record in the preseason, Carlmont’s boys varsity soccer doubted their chances in the upcoming league matches. However, the Scots emerged victorious in their first game of the season and proved their ability against the Menlo-Atherton (M-A) Bears.
Junior Foster Kupbens scored on M-A’s goalkeeper three minutes into the first half. The Scots defense prevented M-A’s offensive players from advancing down the field, and attempted shots were met easily by goalkeeper Camron Dennler. Despite a quick lead, Carlmont defense could not hold the aggressive Bears, resulting in a goal for M-A.
Junior Chris Gehlen scored once more for the Scots, bringing the score 2-1, which remained throughout the first half.
During the second half of the game, communication became lost and passes rushed.
“We still have to work on communication. We’re quiet on the field, and that needs improvement,” said junior Brent Jang.
Despite the lack of communication, chemistry between players has evolved since freshman year.
“Because there are so many juniors on the team, most of us have been playing with each other for the past three years,” said junior Thomas Chin.
Even with quick dribbling and passes, the Bears were unable to place goals in the final minutes of the game. Back and forth possession and lack of follow-through did not allow for either team to score.
Because Carlmont has young players this season, opposing teams enter games expecting an easy victory.
“Being an underdog, a lot of people don’t expect us to play the way we do because we are so young and, physically, on the smaller side,” said Jang. “Instead of being 100 percent physical, we must exercise more skill.”
Carlmont’s first league game was a success, and players are optimistic about the future of the team.
Dennler said, “We can only get better from here. We have the potential to be a stronger team, so we just have to work harder to get there.”
