The weather on Tuesday, Oct. 25 was ideal for the Skyline Trojans Men’s Soccer home game against West Valley College that was scheduled at 2 p.m. Unfortunately after 90 minutes of soccer, the Trojan team walked off the field defeated by a score of 2-1 to the visiting Vikings.

The team defended well and impressed spectators as they worked hard to prevent West Valley College from getting in scoring position. The Trojans on the field encouraged goalkeeper Luis De Paz, known by his teammates as “El toro,” as he helped them stay in the game, slowing down the Vikings offensively. Despite his hard work, two goals was all it took for the Trojans to fall.

The Vikings got on the board first, scoring before the end of the first half and taking a 1-0 lead.

During halftime, Head Coach Daniel Link tried to raise his team’s spirits, emphasizing intensity. He made sure to address Skyline’s defensive awareness for the rest of the game. His encouragement was heard throughout the second half particularly during plays by Diego Sanchez and Conor McNab.

“We heard phrases like, ‘Step up, get together’ from Coach Link” said Trojan Forward Chris Hazelwood as the team ran endlessly from one end of the field to the other.

Hazelwood also tried to encourage his teammates saying, “We need to score.”

Momentum eventually favored the Vikings, leading to a 2-0 lead.

At this point in the game, the Trojans raised their level of play and excited the home crowd, but despite the new energy, Skyline had trouble getting the ball through the West Valley defense. Coach Link remedied the situation by putting in high-scorer Andres Portillo to replace mid-fielder Gerardo Burgos after receiving a yellow card. This change in lineup paid off as Portillo managed to put Skyline on the board with a goal midway through the second half; the Trojan’s only goal.

“We’ve lost a couple of games. The morale is down and it’s hard, but we’re trying,” expressed Gerardo Burgos after the game.

It’s been a tough season but Burgos looks forward to next season noting Portillo’s passion for the game. This year’s team had to learn how to play together with only four returning players and it was reflected on the field. With only four games left in the season, the 2012 season looks promising if the team can stay intact.

The Trojans will host the final three games of the season after a final trip to Fremont to face Ohlone College on Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.