Marcos Hernandez ’24 prepared to cross the ball into the box. Photo by: Brynn Kightlinger

VHS defeats Katella High School with a score of 3-1 

The first round of the Division IV CIF boys varsity soccer game took place on Feb. 7, 2024. The game began at 5 p.m. and ended at 6:42 p.m. VHS boys soccer played Katella High School in a home game at Larrabee Stadium. The game was accompanied by stormy weather the majority of the night. Even with rain, VHS won the game, the final score being 3-1.

Early into the game, VHS was awarded a penalty kick. Joseph Ramirez ‘26 took a shot and scored the first goal of the night on the penalty kick. The boys on the field celebrated together and were excited to take the early lead over KHS.

Following VHS’ first goal, KHS scored a penalty kick which tied up the game, making the score 1-1. Then, goalkeeper Angel Hernandez ‘24 blocked another shot made by KHS.

Jose Mangia ‘24 kicked a corner kick to striker Marcos Hernandez ‘24 who scored the second goal of the night for VHS. This brought the score to 2-1, with VHS leading. 

Marcos Hernandez scored the final goal of the night which made the final score 3-1. Angel Hernandez then blocked a shot by KHS and the game ended with a victory for VHS.

Marcos Hernandez scored two of the goals for the game. He also scored the most goals on the team overall throughout the season with a total of 23 goals along with 16 assists.

“The team played well in the rain, even though it was very cold,” said Levi Grossman ‘27. It was raining during most of the game. Puddles appeared on the field and causing it to be slippery, ultimately leading to a player falling over a bench. “The game against Katella was really rainy. It was a good game though, we won 3-1,” said fullback Gabriel Gamble ‘27.

Despite the weather, the team was still able to push through and win. “It was a pretty rainy game and the field was wet but  it was a good game, we won 3-1 so I am happy,” said Gabriel Gamble ‘27.

The varsity team moved on to the next round of CIF to play Coachella Valley High School on Friday, Feb. 9. “They should win, [Coachella] will be the hardest for them. I think [CVHS] is on an eleven day win streak,” said Rodriguez.

The VHS boys soccer team continued on to win against the Coachella Valley and Savanna teams, but ultimately ended up losing against Lakewood High School in the semi-final in the Division IV CIF playoffs.