Boy's Soccer (2021-22)
Penalty Kicks Oust Panthers from TCAL Playoffs
February 7th, 2022
Boys Top Kennedy in First Round of TCAL Playoffs
February 3rd, 2022
Berkeley, CA - The Saint Mary's boys soccer team opened the 2022 post-season by hosting the JF Kennedy Eagles in the first round of the TCAL playoffs. Having defeated the Eagle 4-1 just one week ago, the Panthers entered the match as a strong favorite to win again. However, unlike last week's relatively easy win, today's match was a competitive, aggressive, hard-fought win over a motivated Kennedy squad. A controversial, ricochet goal from senior forward Simon Moss in the 65th minute was the difference, as the Panthers defense would not even allow a shot on goal for the rest of the match.
"It wasn't our best game, but we'll take the win and move on," said coach Chavo Espinoza afterwards. "Our guys played hard but give them credit, they came ready to play and it was obvious they wanted the win."
Panthers Place 8 on All-TCAL Teams!
February 1st, 2022
Panthers Back On Winning Track, Take Down Kennedy 4-1
January 28th, 2022
Berkeley, CA - After consecutive losses to El Cerrito and Richmond, the Boy's Soccer team returned to the win column with a dominant 4-1 victory over J.F. Kennedy (Richmond). Three first half goals, two by junior Raul Saldana and one by senior Malcolm Silva, propelled the Panthers to a relatively easy win in their final TCAL league contest. The final goal was scored by senior Ernesto Cruz Espinosa on, ironically, senior day. The Panthers next play in the TCAL league playoffs scheduled for Tuesday, February 1st.
Panthers Comeback Falls Short; Lose 3-2 to El Cerrito
January 20th, 2022
Berkeley, CA - After nearly a month of inaction due to coronavirus shutdowns, the Saint Mary's boy's soccer team returned to action on Thursday against the El Cerrito Gauchos. Showing the effects of the layoff, the sluggish Panthers fell behind quickly - giving up two goals in the first 20 minutes of the match. Down 2-0 at halftime, the Panthers staged an impressive 2nd half comeback, tying the score on a pair of goals by junior Arjun Lyall before the Gauchos scored the game winner in stoppage time.
"We didn't play well to start the game," said disappointed head coach Chavo Espinoza after the game. "Our energy and hustle were not what it should have been. El Cerrito is a good team and to give up two quick goals makes it really hard to win. We'll make sure that we're ready to go from the start next time."
Next up for the Panthers is an away game against Richmond High School on Tuesday, January 25th. The Junior Varsity game starts at 4:00, Varsity at 6:00.
Panthers Score Early, Down De Anza 3-1
December 14th, 2021
Berkeley, CA – A first half goal by senior Salomon Zometa-Posada, a pair of second half goals by senior striker Cole Filson and sound defense by Zach Bradley, Devin Mitchell and goalkeeper Colin Dalvand were enough to propel the Saint Mary’s boy’s soccer team to a convincing 3-1 victory over De Anza (Richmond) on Tuesday at Brady Park.
After the game, coach Chavo Espinosa expressed his satisfaction with the win. “Overall, I was pleased with how we played,” said the longtime varsity coach. “Cold days like today can often lead to teams playing below average so I was happy our guys overcame the weather and played like they were capable of playing.”
Up next for the Panthers is a cross-town rivalry game against Albany on Thursday, December 16th. Junior varsity play at the Gilman Fields while the varsity play at Brady Park. Both games begin at 3:30.
Late Comeback Boosts Panthers to 2-1 Win
December 7th, 2021
Berkeley, CA - Trailing visiting Leadership Academy (Richmond) 1 -0 for most of the game, the Saint Mary's Varsity Boy's Soccer team staged an improbable late game comeback and steal a 2-1 victory. Senior Cole Filson scored his 3rd goal in the past two games to tie the score 1-1 in the 85th minute. Shortly thereafter, junior Arjun Lyall rocketed a shot past the opposing goal keeper to secure the eventual 2-1 win.
"Our guys kept playing and refused to lose," said longtime varsity coach Chavo Espinosa. "We prepare our players to play the entire 90 minutes. We always tell them that if you keep working and don't hang your head good things can happen. It was proven today."
Next up for the Panthers is an away match against Liberty High School (Brentwood) on Saturday, December 11th. Junior Varsity starts at 10:00 am, Varsity at Noon.
Boy's Soccer Opens Season With 3-0 Win @ Alhambra
by Mr. Filson
December 4th, 2021
Martinez, CA - The Boy's Varsity Soccer team, fueled by an early goal from junior Arjun Iyall and a goal in each half from senior Cole Filson, defeated Alhambra High School (Martinez) 3-0 to open their 2021-22 season. Seniors Zach Bradley, Malcolm Silva and Salomon Zometa-Posada provided solid defense and ball control throughout the match which allowed the Panthers to take charge early and were never really threatened.
The Panthers play their home opener on Tuesday, December against Leadership Academy. The Junior Varsity play at Gilman Fields while the Varsity play at Brady Field on campus. Both games are scheduled to start at 3:30.