Boys’ soccer continues slow start with disappointing loss to Hillsdale

Henry Gardner, Head Photographer • January 13, 2025

Senior Kylan Dean attempts a penalty kick in the closing moments of the Panthers’ game against Hillsdale.

Coming off a historic 2023-24 campaign, boys’ soccer started the season hoping to contend for a league title and Central Coast Section (CCS) berth this year. But the team has gotten off to a slow start, falling to 2-6 on the season after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Hillsdale High School on Friday, Jan. 10.

In the first 12 minutes of the game, the Panthers dug themselves into a deep hole, going man-down after a red card, and letting up a goal early on. Despite valiant late efforts and multiple opportunities including a penalty kick and a free-kick from just outside the box, the Panthers couldn’t overcome their disastrous start.

Despite the loss, some players, including senior left-back Matthew Wade, see promise in their play.

“We came out slow, but towards the end, I would say it was probably one of the best games we’ve played,” Wade said. “We had a lot of energy, and though we didn’t get the win it was big progress for our team.”

Head Coach Anthony Dimech gives the team a halftime speech after falling behind 1-0. (Henry Gardner)

To turn their season around before league play begins, Burlingame is determined to improve in all facets of the game, including their mentality and focus on the field.

“We need to work on our energy and motivation,” Wade said. “We’re kind of putting our heads down and not giving it our all, but once we get going I think we’re going to be a really good team this season.”

The highly competitive Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division, which sent three teams to the CCS playoffs last year, will provide a challenge for the Panthers, but also an opportunity to prove that their early-season struggles are nothing to be concerned about.

“We get a fresh restart with our record [in league play], and with how the team is moving right now, we just need to get some scores going our way,” junior defender Jack Clarke said.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Panthers will kick off their league season versus Carlmont High School, a team poised for PAL title contention.

“We’re trying to put our record behind us right now, and get ready for league play,” Clarke said. “Hopefully we can go for another [league championship] and then go to CCS.”

Boys Soccer

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About the Contributor

Henry Gardner, Head Photographer

Henry Gardner is a Junior at Burlingame High School and a second-year journalism student. He's excited to continue taking photos and writing articles for the newspaper this year, especially sports coverage. Outside of school, Henry enjoys spending time with friends, taking photos, and listening to music.