On the crisp night of Dec. 5, 2023, the sun was cusping behind the Ventura mountain tops, serving as a backdrop while the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys’ soccer team laced up their cleats, readying themselves to play Dunn School (Dunn) for their first league game of the season. Tensions ran high throughout the game with impressive shots from both teams, but the Dragons managed to narrowly secure the win for a final score of 3-2.
The first half had a heated open with both teams firing shots and showing their ability to communicate on the field. Early in the first half, Foothill Tech was awarded a penalty kick giving the Dragons the opportunity to secure an early lead. Merric Bayless ‘24 stepped up to the penalty spot and, with ease, fired a shot flying into Dunn’s goal, which brought the score to 1-0.
However, shortly after the Dragon’s goal, Dunn was given a penalty kick of their own, the score now neck-in-neck at 1-1.With eager intentions to gain the lead, both teams attacked the ball aggressively in a relentless battle for a shot on goal. Within the closing minutes of the energized first half, Dunn secured another point, ending the first half with a score of 1-2, with Dunn in the lead.
After a short halftime break, the Dragons assembled and reentered the field ready to secure a lead over Dunn. The second half opened slower than the first, both teams tired from a brutal first half. However, with fans cheering and Foothill Tech in need of another goal to tie the game, Merric Bayless made a quick play towards the goal and after a series of passes with Asher Bayless ‘26, Merric Bayless capitalized on an offensive opportunity and tied the game 2-2.
The Dragons didn’t stop there, as Ammar Atiah ‘26 was able to take advantage of a gap in Dunn’s defense and secured a third goal for the Dragons, breaking the tie and establishing the teams one-point lead.
In the concluding minutes of the game, Foothill Tech worked hard to keep the ball on Dunn’s half and not let up any ground. They stayed strong defensively until the clock struck zero and the game concluded with a win for the Dragons at 3-2.
Asher Bayless commented on the victory, having said, “I feel like the team played pretty well, you know, the first league game, so I’m glad we were able to bring out the victory.”
Teammate Dylan Files ‘26 also reflected on what the win meant for the season moving forward, commenting that, “It was a good way to kick off the season with a win and it shows that we have some area we could definitely improve on … but overall it was good and we all played hard.”
Their next game will be on Dec. 14, where they face off against Saint Bonaventure High School (Bonnie) on the Seraph’s home turf, hoping to secure another win.
