Brahmas dominate the field
With a perfect start in league matches, the Brahmas eye the postseason.
January 27, 2016
With five league wins under its belt, the Diamond Bar High School boys varsity soccer team is looking to continue its winning streak as the season moves closer to CIF games.
The team has dominated its recent league games including against one of its biggest competitors, Claremont, and currently are 5-0 in league.
The Brahmas have only lost one game out of both their preseason and season games, which, according to senior captain Tony di Donato, is due to both the improved team chemistry and overall positive attitude of the team.
This year, the team has a much stronger defensive unit and, according to head coach Kemp Wells, it has helped greatly in games. Overall, some players stated that although the skill level and talent of the team members were better last year, the team chemistry and relationships have improved greatly this year.
“Last year everybody played more as individuals and this year we play more as a team,” di Donato said.
However, injuries are plaguing the team, as many players that are currently out were hopeful starters. A total of six out of 11 starters have been out and a few players such as seniors Mohamad Abboushi and captain Josh Bortis have just returned from injuries.
“We have players that do not get the proper rehabilitation, so it is taking them far too long to get healthy again,” Wells said. “Many of them are players that we were counting on before the season began to not just be starters but be massive contributors to the team’s success.”
This year, the team was not able to participate in the Don Lugo tournament, instead participated in the Marina Tournament. The team ended up finishing fifth with a record of 3-1-1. Despite missing multiple starters, several players off the bench performed well, according to Wells.
The coach hopes that the team will make it to the quarterfinals of CIF but it will prove a challenge due to the low scoring nature of soccer. In soccer, a team can dominate a game and still lose, unlike other sports.
Skills such as corner kicks and free kicks and set pieces are a few of the things the team drills during their practices. Working together as a unit is the overall focus of the team whether it be at midfield or on defense. Another aspect that the team is working to improve on is their outlook on the game.
“We need to pick it up in some areas and it always starts with attitude,” Wells said. “Attitude is one thing that most people never think affects how we play or how people perceive us but it does for both of those issues.”
The Brahmas faced Ayala once again on Tuesday and will play against South Hills tomorrow.
