The Carlmont junior varsity boys soccer team defeated the Hollister Haybalers 3-2 during a Sunnyvale Cup tournament game on Saturday afternoon.
The Scots started slow, conceding two goals within the first 20 minutes. Unlike their past matches, the team played in an unorganized formation due to field conditions and higher levels of physicality.
“The game was very physical, which was different from our previous playstyle, so the physicality of the game was working in their favor,” said Maksim Lukoianov, a sophomore for Carlmont.
In response to the way the Haybalers were playing, coach Sean Campos changed the team layout, bringing more combative players into the game and modifying the formation due to field conditions.
“Last game, we played with a false nine because the field was bigger, and the other team had a lower line, unlike today,” Lukoianov said.
A false nine is a formation where a center-forward moves towards the ball, disrupting the opposition’s defense. However, in this case, the field was small enough that the defense could easily pass, avoiding the false nine.
In response to these switches, Carlmont scored two goals during the remaining half, tying Hollister.
“The two goals gave the team energy we needed for the second,” Lukoianov said.
During the second half, both teams played hard. However, after a series of fouls, Carlmont scored the game-ending goal. The remaining match was a series of tackles and high-intensity play that kept both teams on their toes, but a lack of energy and unlucky plays left Hollister defeated 3-2.
“It was a great game from the whole team, and to pull a comeback win was just what the guys needed,” said sophomore Rohan Yadavalli, a team captain.
The game shows the team’s hopeful strength through the remainder of the tournament.
“We have high aspirations for this team. Undefeated so far, and we hope to remain so while advancing in the tournament,” Yadavalli said.
The team also hopes to become more assertive and build anticipation for the general season, which will start on Jan. 12.
“The team is improving week by week, game by game. We could use more chemistry and trust in each other, trusting everyone to do their job instead of being conservative. Overall, though, great season and improvement so far,” Yadavalli said.
Apart from these future changes, the team remains optimistic for the future season.
“It’s definitely possible to be a top player in the league. The goal is to continue strengthening the team and make playoffs,” Lukoianov said.
