After being locked in an intense tie, the boys’ soccer team narrowly defeated Aragon High School 1-0 with a pivotal second-half goal in its sixth league game on Friday, Jan. 16.

According to head coach Anthony Dimech, the team played solid offense and defense throughout the game, demonstrating teamwork and cohesion.

“Our energy was pretty good, our shape was pretty good, our effort was there,” Dimech said. “Knocked the ball around. We had a lot of pressure on these guys.”

Echoing Dimech, sophomore winger Luke Bardsley noted the team’s ability to play competitively and regain its winning streak after a 1-0 loss against Hillsdale High School on Jan. 14.

“It was hard fought. I think we really showed a lot of energy out there,” Bardsley said. “I think that it was definitely one of our better games, and we were able to complete a lot of passes.”

In the first half, the Panthers and Dons kept the game tightly contested with no goals until senior right back Jack Clarke sent a through ball to senior forward Dylan Rossen. With 31 minutes left in the second half, Rossen scored to give the Panthers a 1-0 advantage over the Dons.

“We were able to move the ball around a lot and get it down through. In the second half, we got a lot of balls through in the final turf,” Bardsley said.

According to Dimech, the team struggled to take advantage of their corner kick opportunities, but hopes to improve in this area in the future.

“We had six, seven corner kicks early. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on it, but we were definitely on the front foot, and our defense was playing well, good game for us,” Dimech said.

Though Bardsley said the Panthers’ fatigue at the end of the second half impacted their gameplay, they still prevented the Dons from blowing past their defense.

“We do need a little bit more work ethic around the whole team,” Bardsley said. “We did get a little bit tired at the end of the first half and the end of the second half.”

The Panthers have sustained some injuries over the course of the season, but Dimech said the team remains undeterred and focused on qualifying for the postseason.

“We’re a little banged up, but that’s high school soccer, and games come fast and thick,” Dimech said. “So everybody’s got issues. Every team’s got issues. We’ve got to fight through it.”

The team is now 5-2-1 overall and sits with a 3-2-1 record in league play. With their upcoming game against South San Francisco High School on Jan. 21, Bardsley said he believes the team has the capabilities to perform well overall this season.

“This team has what it takes to do so and become one of the best teams,” Bardsley said.