As a unique way to kick start its season, Diamond Bar High School’s soccer program held the annual Alumni Game on Nov. 26 for the girls and boys varsity team. Although the games were exhibition matches, both teams competed as fiercely as if they were league matches.
The traditional Alumni Game started five years ago when head coach Kemp Wells began coaching the boys varsity team. The alumni team consisted of former Brahmas, like 2011 graduate Bianca Balassi, who have earned much acclaim during their high school careers. The games against the alumni gave both the girls and boys athletes a great opportunity to improve team chemistry.
“We are getting our kinks out since it is early in the season. We were able to gain key tips from the alumni team that will help us for the upcoming season,” Sabrina Corpus, senior captain of the girls varsity team, said.
After a few missed attempts at goal, the Lady Brahmas were able to score a point. However, the alumni team answered back with a goal of its own, and both teams headed into halftime with a 1-1 tie. The second half was a deadlock between both the alumni team and the varsity team as both scored a goal ending the game at 2-2.
“We did alright. We have a few things we need to work on which is normal at this point since it is early in the preseason. I remember at least six or seven from the alumni team that I used to coach. It is great to see them out here compete against the girls,” head coach Matt Brummett said.
Prior to this year, the boys varsity team had won every alumni game, but the team was not able to keep its streak alive as the match ended with a 1-1 tie. Although the Brahmas had numerous scoring opportunities, they could not capitalize on them.
“Overall, we did pretty well, since we placed a new formation into the squad. Over time, we should be able to score in bunches,” Wells stated.
Both the soccer teams come into the new season with great expectations as both won the Hacienda League and had great CIF playoff runs the previous year.
“I always expect our team to compete whenever we are on the field,” Brummett said on his expectations for the season.
