The Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity soccer team got out to a stagnant start to the season, but started to gain momentum at the halfway point. 

While the early part of the season was marked by five draws and some tough losses in the competitive Sierra Foothill League, the Marauder’s momentum has shifted, as they recently achieved their first two wins against Del Oro and Oakridge. They look to expand on this success as they enter the final stretch of the season.

Fullback Cannon Davey ’25 reflects on the early struggles of the season, and the work that lies ahead of the team to turn the corner.

“We came into this season, into a new league, with high hopes.” Cannon said. “We were ready to win, maybe go for a section title and we came in and got punched in our mouth. I think it’s just been a challenge for all of us just to really step on the pedal.”

With the retirement of Mr. Paul Rose from the soccer team, Coach Josh Palone has some large shoes to fill, and is working to rally the troops in his first year as the head coach. He hopes that recent successes will propel the team into excellence. 

“We got our first league win last Thursday [1/9] against Del Oro High School,” Coach Palone said. “It was 4-2, and everybody on the team contribut[ed] to that win. The night before we had a really strong practice. We had a really good team meeting, and I think that the boys are moving in the right direction.”

With the recent victories, the team is excited and confident for the remainder of the season. Yudiel Mondragon ’26 believes that the wins are a good omen for the team. The first league win against Del Oro is providing a positive buzz around the team, and morale is up. 

“We got our first league win against Del Oro,” Mondragon said. “I think we’ll turn it around and we should be fine. I think we have a good chance this year.”

Coach Palone thinks that if the team truly believes in themselves, they will be a force to contend with and could make a run in the playoffs. 

“I really want to see this team believe in themselves and reach their full potential,” Coach Palone said. “That’s what us coaches are always trying to do is find ways to bring the group together to accomplish their goals and so for this season, for this team, I would love to see them search and believe and find some success.”