Pali High Soccer Makes Winter Classic Semis

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The Palisades Charter High School boys soccer team reached the semifinals of the South East Winter Classic last week despite missing several key players.

“We did well considering we weren’t at full strength,” Coach Marvin Lemus said. “We brought up six JV guys and I’m proud of them. I love this tournament because I get to see the character the kids have and who’s really committed to the program.”

The Dolphins opened pool play in the 32-team draw by outscoring Animo Robinson 4-3 at Hawkins High in Los Angeles. Brady Kim, Noah Ferrero, Jayce Jones and Brandon Ramirez all scored.

Later that same day, the Dolphins shut out Bravo, 6-0. Ferrero netted three goals while Ramirez, Jones and Jesse Altaminaro each added one in the victory. The next morning, December 29, Palisades beat Hawkins 4-1 to clinch first place in its group. Ferrero, Jones, Jack Malloy and Cole Hubbard were the goal scorers.

The knockout stage began that afternoon and Palisades won its round of 16 game against Locke in a shootout after the teams tied 1-1 in regulation. Ferrero scored the Dolphins’ goal off an assist from Noah Kim.

On December 30 the Dolphins took on Bell in the quarterfinals and prevailed 1-0 thanks to Jones’ goal 11 minutes into the second half. That night, Palisades faced unbeaten Fremont in the semifinals and fell behind 2-0 at halftime. The Dolphins applied constant pressure in the second half and it finally paid off when Jones passed to Ramirez in the penalty area for a goal moments before the final whistle.

“Noah [Ferrero] missed a breakaway early in the [Fremont] game,” Lemus said. “He was one-on-one with the keeper and pushed it just wide. Had he scored it would’ve changed the whole game.”

Fremont held on for a 2-1 win and on Tuesday the Pathfinders lost to Marquez in penalty kicks at Gahr High after the teams played to a scoreless draw in regulation.

Palisades (8-2-2) hosts Chavez at 4 p.m. Thursday, January 4, and Locke at 4:30 p.m. Monday, January 8, in nonleague action before resuming league play January 10 against University at 4:30 p.m. at Stadium by the Sea.

“We’re more of an attacking team, but the last game was all about who can last the longest, which was a little out of our comfort zone,” said Ramirez, a transfer from University who was eligible for the tournament after the mandatory sit-out period. “If you’re behind you have to keep your heads up and do the best with who you have out there.”