Sofia Vialpando
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s boys soccer team has started off strong this season, boasting a current 2-0 record. Despite losing many key seniors last year, the Mustangs have a maintained a mix of varsity veterans and new players who are ready to bring the team a CIF ring.
Varsity head coach, Gary Smith and assistant coaches, Jose Camacho and Brennen Smith have been preparing the team for the season with daily practices.
“We always focus on the basics and fundamental soccer skills at the start the year,” said Smith. “We are also working on improving fitness and team chemistry.”
The boys varsity soccer team consists of twenty six players, eighteen being seniors. The remaining of the team are juniors except for sophomore goalkeeper, Andrew Fasano.
“The new varsity players have done a fantastic job and have really fit in well with the returning players,” senior team captain Justin Fairchild said. “They bring an energy and intensity to the game that helps out the team greatly.”
New players such as junior center midfielders Max Taylor and Raphael Diogo have contributed to Costa’s success. Taylor scored once against North Torrance and once against Hawthorne High School. Diogo put one in against Long Beach Wilson High School.
“We have a great squad this year and I expect great things,” Taylor said. “We have amazing chemistry and everyone works extremely hard.”
This years team captains are goalkeeper Fairchild and defender Sean Fabian. According to Fairchild, the team has a good shot at winning the Bay League title.
“I was expecting to have a solid pre season and hopefully win the South Tournament,” Fairchild said. “We have a strong enough squad to contend for the Bay League title this year.”
To keep their winning streak alive, the team is practicing everyday. The Mustangs have been going over set pieces and working to improve their offensive and defensive shape. In addition, the boys have been running to stay in shape during the season.
“This season I think we will do pretty well,” said Fabian. “We look strong this year and I am looking forward to to our upcoming games.”
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