The Woodside varsity boys’ soccer team has begun its season with a 4-0 record, marking one of its strongest starts in recent years. After inconsistencies last season, this year’s team is showing sharper focus and better chemistry.
Senior right wing Matthew Zelaya said this season already looks promising. He explained that the team aims to overcome last year’s struggles to compete for the Central Coast Section (CCS) title. Zelaya’s hopes for the 25-26 season focus on effort and togetherness.
Despite the undefeated start, the Wildcats remain focused on what’s ahead. Players stress the importance of consistency as competition increases. Their goal remains a deep CCS run, not just early wins.
“We just go out there and compete,” Zelaya said. “We give it our all. We work together as a team.”
Senior goalkeeper Ben Lange pointed to the offense to say what he thinks contributes most to Woodside’s early success. Coaching and preparation have also contributed to Woodside’s strong start. Practices have focused on discipline, communication, and correcting mistakes from last season. Players say the added structure has helped them stay composed during games.
“I would attribute most of it to our goal-scoring ability,” Lange said about the offense’s recent performance.
Woodside has outscored their opponents 15-4 this season, including a five-goal game against Mills. Their offensive pressure has been crucial to the Wildcats’ 4-0 start, helping them dominate defenses during the opening stretch of the season.
Lange believes that with an undefeated record and strong chemistry, Woodside has the potential to make an impact this season.
“If we make Division three, Division four, Division five CCS, I think we could definitely win it,” Lange said.
For the seniors graduating this year, this early success suggests that the season could be particularly special.
Starting the season with four straight wins has lifted confidence across the roster, Zelaya described. “Good momentum going forward,” adding that the team’s morale is high. “Coming off a four-game win streak, everybody’s ready to start the season.”
He believes the positive energy is driving players to keep performing at a high level and pursue even more wins. Graduating seniors on the Woodside varsity soccer team are feeling both pride and sadness as they enter their final season.
“It’s a combination of both, but I think a little happier, because it really just all comes down to this last season for us to make CCS and hopefully make a run,” Lange said.
Zelaya also echoed this sentiment.
“It is exciting to be a senior, but I’m also sad that my high school playing career is coming to an end,” Zelaya said.
As Woodside continues its undefeated run, the Wildcats are playing with the urgency of a team that understands what is at stake, especially for the seniors who know this is their last season of high school soccer. With momentum on their side and a roster full of players eager for a CCS spot, Woodside’s 4-0 start feels more like a statement than a streak. Woodside’s next challenge will come in a non-conference matchup against Junipero Serra High School on January 3, 2026. This game will allow the Wildcats to test their early-season momentum against a tough opponent outside their regular league schedule.
Editor’s Note: At the time of publishing, Woodside lost their game against Junipero Serra 2-1 and won against Aragon 1-0.
