The Oak Park Eagles boys soccer team has emerged this season as a consistent winner, with an overall record of 4-2-2 for the season.
“I would describe this season so far as a grind,” junior left/right winger Carson Carsella said. “It has not been easy and there have been ups and downs, but we grinded as a team and individuals to get to where we are now.”
The team practiced hard and played harder, especially during the third Kanan Cup against Agoura High School.
“The most memorable moment of the season so far was winning the Kanan Cup for the third year in a row and keeping our home win streak this year,” Carsella said.
After taking home the win in a 5-1 game, the team got right back to work.
“We need to be more defensively solid in big games, but I think if our attackers keep performing then we can outscore any team we come across,” junior and midfielder Rastin Houshmand Azad said.
Along with the team’s offense, OPHS boys soccer has repeatedly shown many other strengths on the field.
“The team’s strength for me has been indomitability. Late in games, when the other team is already celebrating as a result, we turn up,” Houshmand Azad said. “We have a technical group of guys, but more importantly than just technique, it’s a group of guys who always grind for each other.”
One such instance was in a recent game against Camarillo.
“The comeback against Camarillo was an incredible show of self-belief… every single player put their body on the line for the result,” Houshmand Azad said.
Coupled with the team’s success, the players have seen their own individual growth.
“So far, this season has been pretty successful for me,” Houshmand Azad said. “I’ve been battling and playing through injuries, but I’ve put up a return of five goals and two assists, which is a high school career high in points.”
Overall, the Oak Park Eagles boys soccer team has performed incredibly well this season, including winning their third Kanan Cup in a row. While the team needs more work defensively, their offense has been clicking and team spirit is high. The future is looking bright for OPHS boys soccer.
