Gallery • 10 Photos

Matthew Knauer

Senior Masa Fujita dribbles with his left foot to evade a defender. The midfielder announced his commitment to UC San Diego last Sunday.

It was an eventful start to the week for Redwood senior midfielder Masa Fujita, who announced his commitment to play soccer at UC San Diego on Sunday, Jan. 12. Just 26 hours later, he scored the opening goal against the San Rafael High School Bulldogs with a powerful header into the back of the net. Two minutes into the match, junior Kamran Madani poked the ball free from a San Rafael defender before sending a cross into the 18-yard box. Fujita, perfectly positioned, headed the ball in from ten yards out to give the Giants an early 1-0 lead.
Following a series of Redwood attacks — one of which senior forward Ben Sherry converted before it was called back for offside —senior winger Sam Gersch scored to double the deficit. The Bulldogs cleared a Redwood cross, and the ball ended up right at Gersch’s feet outside of the box. The winger sent a shot on the ground, deflecting off the right post before crossing the white line.
All afternoon, there were smiles for the Giants, who took home a 4-1 victory. Gersch netted another goal in the second half, and Sherry soon followed with a score of his own. Redwood maintained possession throughout the match, sending many assaults into Bulldog territory. Seniors Eddie Diaz and Wells Borden each fired multiple strong shots, stopped by impressive saves from the San Rafael goalie. The Giants’ back line — highlighted by seniors Owen Holt and John Anderluh, as well as juniors James Mostafavi, Chase Martin and Jamie Hughes — held strong. Aside from a Bulldog goal off a deflected shot, Redwood’s defense limited the number of shots on goal, making it an easy afternoon for freshman goalie Cade Jaffee.
Following a loss and three consecutive ties, the Giants found their momentum again on Monday. The win brings their overall record to 3-1-3, with their Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) record at 1-0-1. In a shortened MCAL season, playing each opponent just one time, each match will be especially crucial. They travel to Terra Linda to face the Trojans on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 3:15 p.m., with five more matches before the MCAL playoffs.