Needing a win that would almost guarantee playoff eligibility, the stakes were high for the boys’ soccer team 11-3-2 in their rematch against Menlo-Atherton High School on Wednesday, Feb 5. In their previous matchup, the two teams had tied 0-0, and this time, the Panthers were determined to walk off the field with a victory. Ultimately, the tides were in Burlingame’s favor as they came out on top with a 1-0 win and continued their 4-game winning streak.

Throughout the game, Menlo-Atherton pressed heavily on defense. Burlingame responded with strong ball control and passing, which created many scoring opportunities. However, neither team was able to break through to score in the first half.

“They were really pressing, and honestly, it’s a benefit to our game, because we knocked the ball around as a possession-based, oriented team,” senior co-captain Dylan Rossen said. “And it’s kind of annoying, but once you break through, you break
through.”

It wasn’t until late in the game that the Panthers could get an upper hand and break the 0-0 tie. With only two minutes left on the clock, sophomore winger Derek Diercks received a through ball and surged past the goalkeeper, scoring the only goal of the game and securing the win. It was a pivotal moment in the game, with the Panthers clearing the benches and running to the corner flag to celebrate.

“The goal will eventually come, and it did. So I’m happy that we got the result that we got,” Rossen said.

According to senior co-captain Ricardo Felix, the season has been very successful, with the team stringing along wins and holding a 7-3-2 league record — a drastic difference compared to last year’s rocky start.

“I think me and Dylan keeping people focused and in check really just helped us, just to help everyone get better, train harder,” Felix said. “And that’s why we came out here with the dub today.”

In their previous match against Menlo-Atherton, the Panthers missed opportunities to score, which resulted in the tie. However, this time, Burlingame adapted, moving forward by solidifying their offense and emphasizing strong communication on the field.

“I thought defensively, we played well, and our midfield is able to keep the ball a little bit better than we have in the past,” head coach Anthony Dimech said. “And we’re a young team, but we’re getting better, and we’re getting stronger every game.”

Following a loss to Hillsdale High School on Friday, Feb. 6, the Panthers now sit in second place in the Peninsula Bay Athletic League with a game in hand over Woodside High School. They are looking towards a strong performance in the Central Coast Section playoffs, potentially qualifying for the NorCal State Championships.

“We just go one game at a time,” Dimech said.