Chris Sandoval, Santa Monica High’s Mens Varsity soccer coach, told his team he was happy with their performance after winning a scrimmage last Friday against the Beverly Hills Normans, 4-1.

The Vikings started off trying to score with a couple of headers, but couldn’t seem to get past Beverly Hill’s goalie, Jaxon Tonley. Though unsuccessful on offense, they managed to control possession and keep the Normans out of their own goal zone.   

When Vikings forward Atreyu Lucas saw an opening in the eighth minute of the game, he dribbled toward the net but was tripped by Norman’s defense player, Raz Cohen. Cohen’s penalty allowed the Vikings a penalty try, and Santa Monica took full advantage and the lead, 1-0. 

Beverly Hills countered to try and gain more control of the ball in their home field, but with the quick footwork of midfielders Manu Castagna and Hayden Howard, and defender Jesse Howard, Santa Monica fought them off and maintained most possession. 

Lucas scored a second goal for the Vikings. Soon after, it was Castagna’s turn. Their work gave the Vikings a 3-0 lead.

During half-time, the Beverly Hills coach took the boys into their locker room to discuss the game. What he said must have helped, and Beverly Hills made some adjustments that seemed to make a difference early in the second half. 

As play resumed, the Normans did a better job of controlling possession. After the Vikings received a yellow card on a hard penalty, Beverly Hills midfielder Jonah Sasson scored a goal on the ensuing penalty kick, getting them on the scoreboard, 3-1. The Beverly High parents in attendance cheered for their boys, but unfortunately, that ended as soon as Sasson pushed the Vikings goalie, Kyle Kolhoff. In an instant, the Vikings approached Sasson and the rest of the Normans players to defend their team. The referees stepped in and stopped it from escalating into a brawl. 

“Of course, it’s not in our nature to attack but protect our players and protect our own,” Coach Sandoval said, “The boys are smart enough to be protecting themselves, but at the same time be levelheaded and just making sure they handle the situation accordingly.” 

After a few minutes of keeping the ball from entering the net, the Vikings made the last goal of the scrimmage, 4-1. 

Sure, while it seemed to be an easy win for the Vikings, Coach Sandoval was still happy about what he saw in his Viking team against the Normans. He also told me they look forward to playing a series of more competitive games this season, including Mira Costa and Palos Verdes in January.

“They’re all of equal importance, we’re just looking forward to when the league comes,” Coach Sandoval said. 

Regardless of who they end up competing with, Coach Sandoval encourages the team to take stock of the season as it progresses. He recalled for the guys the time he was in high school and all the memories and friendships made through his own love of the sport. He hopes his current roster of players will enjoy making memories and friendships throughout their play. 

“Enjoy yourselves,” Coach Sandoval said. “Enjoy the moment.”

Photo of Coach Sandoval and players taken by the author.