Ups and Downs: A Look at the Greyhounds’ Soccer Season So Far
The Atascadero Greyhounds boys’ soccer team has had a season full of exciting wins and tough losses. With standout performances and lessons learned along the way, the team continues to push forward with determination and resilience. Here’s a closer look at their journey so far.
The Greyhounds Varsity boys’ soccer team has had an eventful season so far, delivering dominant victories while also enduring hard-fought losses. Through it all, the team has demonstrated both offensive firepower and a resilient spirit that keeps them in the fight.
The season started strong with a 4-1 victory over Santa Ynez. Senior Zach Benedix led the charge with two goals, while sophomore Grady Russell and senior Dean Bryson each contributed one. This commanding performance showcased the Greyhounds’ offensive potential right out of the gate.
Another standout performance came in their 5-2 win against Cabrillo. The Greyhounds displayed a balanced attack as five different players found the back of the net: seniors Dean Bryson and Colton Russell, sophomore Max Beck, junior Tyson Tenhaeff, and senior Zach Benedix, who continues to be a consistent scorer for the team. These two matches stand as the team’s biggest goal-scoring performances this season.
In addition to these impressive wins, Atascadero secured victories over King City (2-1), Morro Bay (1-0), Orcutt Academy (2-0), and Arroyo Grande (2-1). These matches highlighted the team’s ability to compete in tight games, leaning on a strong defense and capitalizing on key scoring opportunities.
Junior goalkeeper Jordan Amaro has been a crucial player for the Greyhounds this season. His ability to protect the net in close matches and make timely, critical saves has kept the team in contention during tough moments. Whether in high-pressure situations or tight games, Jordan’s performance between the posts has been a major factor in the team’s resilience and success.
However, the Greyhounds have faced challenges against top-tier competition. Their recent 1-0 loss to Paso Robles on December 17 was a tough outcome, marking the team’s second defeat against Paso this season. Combined with earlier setbacks to Righetti (6-1) and Sunnyside (3-0), these losses have served as learning moments as the team looks to regroup and improve.
Despite the ups and downs, the Greyhounds have proven their offensive strength, particularly in their highest-scoring games, and continue to show promise as they move deeper into the season. With contributions across the roster and standout performances from key players like Zach Benedix, Dean Bryson, and Colton Russell, the team remains focused on finishing strong.
