After a rough season last year, the boys varsity soccer team is looking forward to a fresh new start. They got it with new coaches Dillon Chapman and Tim Walsh. 

Both also coach for the Venice Beach Football Club. The club started in 2016 with the goal of uniting the community through soccer and giving any kid the opportunity of showing their passion for soccer. They hope to do the same for the Venice High School team. 

“ I expect great things for this season, great things,” said Chapman. 

The team also expects great things. 

“I wish these coaches would have come sooner.” said senior midfielder Ivan Hernandez. 

 “Because coaching staff last season was horrible, we had little to no work.” 

Hernandez is hoping to have a better season this year as this will be his last year playing in the Gondo blue uniform.  

The team struggled last year and are off to a rough start. 

The Gondoliers played their third game of the season Dec. 11, and took a loss against Hamilton with a score of 4-0

On Dec. 6, the boys took a 4-0 loss at an away game against Palisades. 

They started off the season with an away game against Fairfax on Dec. 4. The Gondos took an unfortunate loss, 5-0, against the Lions but that didn’t stop them from hustling.

One of their top players is sophomore striker, Alex Antonio. He said he is thrilled to be part of the varsity soccer team and wearing #12 on his jersey. 

Despite standing just 5-foot-1, Antonio has been their most consistent offensive threat, scoring multiple goals in the preseason games.

“I have always believed that height and age doesn’t matter so being on the team and scoring has motivated me even more,” said Antonio. “We are having a rough start with these preseason games but the team and I know we can improve for season. We will.”

The team will be playing against Westchester on Dec. 13 at Mark Twain. With a record of 0-3 , the boys are determined to come back with a victory to tell.