Men’s soccer went to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

On Nov. 16 the Trojans traveled to Saratoga to battle with the #8 ranked West Valley to stay in the playoffs.

After a long 90 minutes of play, the Trojans were defeated by the Vikings 2-1.

The Trojans were ranked #9 in the Northern California Community College soccer playoffs with a record of 9-4-7. Since losing this game, the Trojans ended their triumphant season with a 9-5-7 record.

The Trojans and the Vikings faced each other for a strong competition to gain more than just a win. This is the first time the Skyline men’s soccer team has made it to the playoffs under the coaching of Danny Link, and since 1998.

The game went 30 minutes without a score from either side until Mario Godinez took a free kick that beat the Viking’s goalie and found the back of the net. West Valley remained scoreless until the second half when they upped their pressure on Skyline and tied the game. The Trojans had a few good opportunities to recapture the lead but were unable to do so.

In the second half, Skyline’s goalie was penalized for a foul in the goal area, which prompted West Valley to claim the lead. The Trojans continued to play hard, but ran out of time to make a come back.

One of the many highlights for the men’s soccer season was Mario Godinez. Godinez, #14, is a freshman at Skyline and is from Mission high school. Godinez has been a consistently strong player all season and a true team leader. Coach Link says that Godinez deserves recognition.

“My [choice for] athlete of the week, actually of the year probably, would be Mario Godinez,” Link said.

The men’s soccer team had a very successful season and has been congratulated for their impressive playing.