Season high 3-game winning streak has sparked confidence.
Fresh off a 3-0 shutout over Las Positas College on Oct. 25, the Trojans are starting to show signs of confidence, currently three places away from a playoff birth with less than two weeks to play this season.
The Trojans are currently 6-8-3 and are 4-3-1 in conference play. They’ve won four of their last seven games and have lost only twice in the seven.
Goalkeeper Brian McCarthy is one reason why the team has seen better days, as McCarthy is responsible for two shutouts in the past three weeks against San Francisco City College and De Anza College.
“I focus on where the ball goes and getting there as soon as possible and not letting anyone inside my box,” said McCarthy.
However, McCarthy didn’t get the support he needed against Cabrillo on Oct. 21, as the Trojans were shutout 1-0.
The Trojans have continued to outshoot their opponents, but unluckily have failed to touch the back of net in most games.
“We’ve out shot every team we’ve played,” said Daniel Link, men’s soccer coach. We out shot the number one team in our conference 23-10 and lost 1-0. We just got to continue in believing in ourselves.”
Sweeper Victor Lopez says, “Our shooting and our finishing has to improve…we have to finish. Other than that we’re doing everything else.”
But the Trojans may have hit a turning point in their season, winning three consecutive games, beginning on Oct. 25. Lead with consistent scoring by Jose Ruiz, who leads the team with 12 goals, and followed by Edwin Viduarre with 7 and Elvin Kumar with 6.
On Oct. 25, the Trojans defeated Las Positas College 3-0 at Livermore. Marc Famularo scored his second goal of the season and Elvin Kumar added two more.
The Trojans defeated Foothill College at home 3-1 on Oct. 28, which saw the team’s leading scorer Jose Ruiz score two goals and another by Kumar.
On Nov.1, Mission College visited the Trojans, which saw the Trojans destroy the Saints 11-1. Ruiz, Viduarre and co-captain Ruben Salazar each scored three times; Damian Biliu and Jeff Ardoin each scored once.
Skyline’s scoring blitz needs to stay consistent because the Trojans are a few spots away from a playoff birth. Twelve teams are taken from each region and the Trojans have four games to make ground.
“We have to take care of business and finish out shots,” said Link. “We’re out here everyday, there are 35 guys here every practice. We’re doing everything needed except getting the results.”
While the Trojans have seen their winning ways, according to McCarthy, ball control and movement off the ball still needs to be improved in order for the Trojans to make it into the playoffs. Nevertheless, winning games have made the Trojans a lot more comfortable and confident with their play.
“Lately we’ve been having a lot more fun,” said McCarthy. “We started relaxing and doing what we love doing best, playing soccer.”