Pali Loses Foothold on First

It would be easy to argue that Palisades’ boys soccer team was superior to L.A. Hamilton last Thursday but for one small detail: the score. Despite outshooting Hamilton by a 3-1 ratio and enjoying an overwhelming advantage in time of possession, the Dolphins were unable to finish chances and suffered a costly 2-1 defeat that dropped them into third place. “It was frustrating because we felt like we dominated the whole game,” Pali senior Henry Argueta said. “We hit the crossbar three times and they only had two good chances. But they scored on both so you have to give it to them.” Argueta scored the Dolphins’ only goal on a header off of a cross from Jose Vasquez 15 minutes into the second half, which tied the score 1-1. It remained deadlocked until the 79th minute when Pali defender Esteban Moreno was red-carded and the Yankees scored off of the ensuing free kick. A victory would have vaulted the Dolphins (5-6-3 overall, 4-1-2 in league) into first place ahead of Hamilton. Instead, the loss dropped Pali to third, two points behind Hamilton (6-1 in league) and one behind Venice (5-2-1 in league). Palisades dealt Hamilton its only loss of the season, 3-1, in their first meeting January 10. “Even though we lost today, we still feel like we have the best team in this league,” Argueta said. “We’re generating lots of scoring opportunities, we just have to do a better job of converting. I’m still confident that we can win the league.” Capitalizing on scoring chances was not Pali’s problem at University on Tuesday. Vasquez scored an unassisted goal in the first half. Early in the second half, Ben Tom scored off of a throw-in by Argueta to increase the Dolphins’ lead to 2-0. Shortly after Uni answered with a goal in the 55th minute, Osbaldo Garcia scored off of a free kick flick by Brock Auerbach-Lynn. Moreno added the finishing touch to Pali’s 4-1 victory by converting a direct free kick in the 75th minute. Pali hosts Venice today at 2:30 p.m. and could overtake the Gondos in the standings with a win. The Dolphins wrap up regular season play at home against Fairfax next Tuesday and Westchester next Thursday. Girls Soccer The Dolphins’ varsity remained tied for first place with Fairfax in the Western League with three games left. Senior striker Lucy Miller scored twice in the first half at Hamilton last Thursday, but the Yankees answered with two second-half goals to forge a tie. However, Palisades (6-3-3, 4-0-2) did not lose ground in the standings because Fairfax tied University the same day. “It was one of those things where we had the game well in hand but we let them get back into it and they rode off that momentum,” Pali Coach Kim Smith said of the Hamilton game. “Fortunately for us, Uni tied Fairfax so our tie didn’t cost us as much as it could have.” Pali got its turn against University Tuesday night at Stadium by the Sea and the Dolphins made it clear from the opening whistle that they would not be satisfied with a tie. Needing a win to keep pace with Fairfax, which routed Venice 6-1 that afternoon, Palisades kept constant pressure on the Wildcats’ defense, eventually breaking through for three second-half goals. “We had a team talk right after the Hamilton game and that brought our spirit up a little bit,” fullback Sarah McNees said after the Dolphins’ 3-0 victory. “As a defender, it’s always nice when you can shut the other team out like we did tonight.” Despite outshooting the Wildcats 21-5, it took Pali awhile to fin the back of the net. Early in the second half, Miller scored off of an assist from Teal Foster. Moments later, Sam McCamey hit the crossbar on a shot from the right wing. Kelly Mickel dribbled through a crowded penalty area and scored in the 70th minute and Miller re-directed a cross from six yards out two minutes later for the final goal. Palisades plays at Venice today and travels to Fairfax next Tuesday afternoon for a game that could decide the league title. The Dolphins and Lions tied 0-0 in their first meeting January 19.