On Saturday, Dec. 9, the boys’ varsity soccer team faced off against Marin Academy (MA) in a non-league match. The two teams previously met in a fiercely competitive game on Dec. 11, 2021, resulting in a draw.
The Giants’ offense took control early with a 1-0 lead as senior Ensio Sardans tipped in a goal that merely rolled under the goalkeeper’s diving attempt. Shortly after, MA’s offense tied the game 1-1 as forward Malcom Zalayet retaliated with a powerful shot on goal, leaving senior goalie Jackson Walker with little chance of making the save. The following twenty minutes of the first half went back and forth, featuring strong defensive efforts from senior captain Jack Corvi.
In the second half, the Giants came out the gates blaring with physicality. Senior Evan White and junior Sam Gersch started the half constantly finding themselves in the middle of the action. However, it wasn’t enough to slow MA’s talented forward, Zalayet, who scored his second goal of the day. Frustratingly for the Giants, their impressive non-stop efforts set up multiple close shot attempts that simply couldn’t find their way into the back of the net for the remainder of the game.
Despite the loss, Redwood’s outstanding display of endurance and physicality should be commended and will carry on into the first in-league match against Branson on Jan. 6.
