The boys varsity soccer team faced Portola High School on January 21, ultimately winning the game with a final game score of 2-1. The team currently stands with a season record of 6-11. 

UHS previously faced Portola in another season game on December 16, 2021, winning 3-0. 

“Our expectations going into the game were that Portola would put up a fight after previously losing to us 3-0, and we made sure not to come out too confident and put the game away,” junior Luca Rignot said. 

The two teams battled throughout the game and were tied 1-1, until senior Shuma Jenson scored the winning goal. 

“The game overall was extremely intense,” Rignot said. “We were up 1-0 going into the half and a careless mistake allowed Portola to tie the game. Assisted by Armon Haghighat, we were fortunate enough for Jensen to score a last-minute goal.”

After scoring another win for the school, the team reflected proudly on their performance.

“I think the team played very well and everyone put in a lot of effort and really wanted the win,” senior Mateus Souza said. 

Looking back at the game, the team reiterated that although they worked hard on their defense, they needed offensive improvements. 

“The team could improve on our passing,” senior Asher Do said.  

Despite the season record currently standing at 6-11, the team is still in the running to achieve their pre-season goal of making it to CIF. 

“The team expects more wins in the future to take us one step closer to CIF,” Souza said. 

After the game against Portola High, the team suffered two losses against Beckman and Northwood, respectively, before scoring a win against Irvine High 4-0 on January 31.