Head coach Bert Mar much appreciated at successful junior high
program
GILROY – The South Valley Soccer team ended another great season under Coach Bert Mar – following a tough playoff quarterfinal against Mathson School.
The Tigers played strong throughout the season and, in the four preliminary games, outscored their opponents 13 goals to three. They improved with every game and the team spirit, inspired by Coach Mar, produced both outstanding team play and notable individual performances.
Coach Mar continued with his philosophy of mixing sixth, seventh and eighth graders into a team concept. He believes that “blooding” some of the younger players while maintaining a corps of experienced individuals creates an ideal mix. This policy certainly paid off with a second successive year of qualification to the playoff stages. Several players from last season returned to provide invaluable experience. The legacy from this year will provide the backbone for next season.
The quarterfinal itself was a bewildering affair. The South Valley team – missing a key defender – attacked the Mathson goal relentlessly in the first 20 minutes and at least 10 attempts on goal were thwarted. Some solid defending, hurried shots and a huge dose of luck (for Mathson) prevented the team in green from scoring the, all important, first goal.
Mathson, in its first threatening attack, raced up field to catch South Valley off guard and scored the ice-breaker. This was the pattern for the rest of the game with Mathson using counter-attacks to generate its scoring opportunites.
Despite scoring a fine consolation goal, the South Valley team succumbed to the fine left wing play of the Mathson attack and ended up being eliminated from the playoffs.
However, Coach Mar can take great satisfaction from another great season and be proud of both his team’s results and the style of play which was so pleasing to the eye.
For parents, it was nice to see the support from the teaching staff with numerous members of the faculty, including the head, frequently appearing on the sidelines to cheer on the South Valley youngsters. It was also great to see a coach like Mar, who loves to be involved with his team, offering advice and encouragement but always with a huge smile on his face. Mar clearly enjoys the job immensely and the players respond to him accordingly. He’s a tribute to the school and South Valley is lucky to have him.
And so, it’s sad to report the ultimate loss but wonderful, in these difficult times, to observe a group who enjoy playing soccer together and hopefully, will remember the many, many positives from this seasons adventures with the South Valley team. Our thoughts and prayers also go to coach Louie Godinez, who usually partners Bert Mar. We hope he recovers quickly and completely from his recent illness. We wish them all good luck for the future and look forward to another play-off opportunity under Coach Mar and Coach Godinez next year.
