V-Boys Soccer Takes Second at TISSA Tournament

by Matt Bailey

The Boys' Varsity Soccer team secured the silver medal this past Saturday at the TISSA Tournament, hosted by MAC in Taichung. The team executed a high-level performance throughout the day, earning their spot in the championship final. Last year, they finished in the 6th spot, so this is a significant improvement.

“Really proud of the boys this season for their hard work and perseverance. No one expected us to finish so high in the podium and we proved them wrong,” said Captain Yuki Shibata.

The competition heated up in the semifinal round with an all-Kaohsiung clash against MAK. Our boys controlled the pace and secured a 2-1 victory, which guaranteed a medal finish. The two goals came from Yuki Shibata and Yuju Cheon, both in 11th grade.

In the final match, our team went up and ultimately lost against the skilled, and perennial tournament favorites, the TES Bears.

The 2nd place finish at the tournament represents a significant competitive achievement. Asked about the differences with the team between this year and last year, Yuki credited an improved team atmosphere and a lot more work being put into the training sessions.

"We didn’t have a stronger team than last year but we definitely played better as a team this year," he said. "We are going for the gold next year."