Tina Hashemi/Staff reporter
Seven games into the season the senior boys soccer team have won three games, tied twice, and lost two games is aiming to be the top four teams in the district to make the playoffs.
“The team is skilled and there is a really good mix of our core players from the year before and the Italian, Spanish, and Japanese international students, which helps strengthens the team,”
said Frank Abbinante, teacher chef and coach. “We have the skill level on the team to make an impact and go forward in a strong position for the playoffs. We’ve been preaching to the boys to work hard, work smart, and work as a team,” added Abbinante.
The most recent game was on October 26 against Riverside secondary school, and resulted in a tie score. Abbinante said “The game was very exciting. Both teams battelled extremely hard. There wasn’t much time left in the game when Riverside secondary school scored their third goal, and our boys tied the score with just one or two minutes remaining.”
Guido Di Michino grade 11 said “It was a tough game also because of the weather but we played a nice game, we tried our best and that was good.”
The teams second most recent game which had a big impact for the team to be able to make the playoffs, was on October 24 against Pinetree secondary school which talons won 3-2.
Team capitan, Colby Ng grade 12 said “It was a fantastic game, everybody put in a great performance and it was a team effort. We started off strong, we put pressure on the opposite team, and we were able to score a fantastic penalty kick from Evan Owens. They end up scoring another goal on us so it was one/one at halftime. In the second half we ended up scoring two more goals and gave up one goal but ended up being able to hold onto a 3-2 lead all the way to the end. The whole team was excited and was willing to put up a fight because we knew we had to win that game if we wanted any chance to qualify.”
According to Abbinante, one of the teams he was looking forward to play was Charles Best since they are a powerful team. “Charles Best have always been the top of the top of the leagues and provincials. They always been up there and winning it, so it was a big confidence booster for the boys to play them and beat them at home. The team put out a strong showing so all of us coaches were very proud of the boys on that game.”, added Abbinante.
Team goalie, Thomas Sullivan grade 12 said “last year we lost every game, not a very successful season. Charles Best beat us six nothing last year so when we beat them this year I felt a huge source of redemption and I was very happy.
The team played against Centennial on October 18 and lost 3-1.
On October 13 the team tied with Heritage Woods with 3-3.
Fifth most recent game was against Terry Fox secondary school on October 6, and Talons lost 4-1.
The first game was against Port Moody on October 3, and Talons won 2-1.