Sports

Early goals propel boys soccer to 2-1 victory against Buena Park

Alice Shin, Managing Editor

January 29, 2020

Forward freshman David Rezko winds up for a shot on goal attempt while inside the penalty box during a Jan. 24 Freeway League game against Buena Park at the Sunny Hills field. Photo taken by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake

With three games left before CIF playoffs, the Sunny Hills boys soccer team narrowly defeated Buena Park 2-1 in a Jan. 24 home game.

“[The win] wouldn’t have happened without the great performances by everybody, and today is one of those days where so many players played well,” head coach Mike Schade said of his 10-4-4 (5-2 in the Freeway League) team.

Midfielder sophomore Kevin Meza, who had joined the team as a freshman, scored the first goal off a corner kick six minutes into the game.

“I felt really happy after I scored, knowing that I was helping my team,” Meza said. “I wasn’t sure if I could make [the goal] because it was a weird angle to kick from, but I’m just happy I made it in.”

Midfielder sophomore Kevin Meza attempts to keep the ball from going out of bounds in a game against Buena Park Jan. 24. All photos taken by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake
Midfielder senior Brandon Toledo pulls away from pursuing Buena Park defenders.
Midfielder junior Donovan Fichtelberg runs past Buena Park defenders.
Midfielder senior Dylan Lee searches for an open teammate to pass to.

Midfielder junior Donovan Fichtelberg scored another goal after a team play that started from the midfield, which put the Lancers up 2-0 just 10 minutes into the game, widening the gap between the scores and making it harder for the Coyotes to catch up.

“It was really nice because it involved combination play,” Schade said.

The Sunny Hills defense conceded a goal in the 76th minute during the second half of the game but was able to hold on for the win.

“We started with great intensity, and I feel proud of the boys,” goalkeeper senior Jonathan Pena said. “Our [next] goal is to beat La Habra, but our main goal is to win league and on to CIF.”

Currently in second place in the Freeway League standings, the Lancers will next travel Wednesday, Jan. 29, to La Habra (3-5-6, 2-4-1) for a 3 p.m. game as they chase first-place Fullerton for a league title.

“We always expect to win as long as we’ve done our preparations for the games,” Schade said.

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About the Contributor

Alice Shin, Managing Editor

After spending her second year on The Accolade staff as the assistant news editor, senior Alice Shin looks forward to another year on staff as the managing editor. In the previous school year, Shin has spent most of her time writing articles for the news section. This school year, she hopes to contribute to the award-winning newspaper and cover a wide range of subjects. Besides her involvement in The Accolade, Shin is part of the American Red Cross club at school as one of the blood drive coordinators and can be seen outside of school with her friends or at home watching Netflix or dramas.