On Jan. 29, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys soccer team celebrated a 1-0 home victory over Dunn School (Dunn) on the Dragons’ annual senior night. Late in the game, Dunn conceded a penalty that was taken by Ammar Atiah ‘26, which decided the score and a California Interscholastic Federation playoff berth for Foothill Tech.
“I’m excited that we made it to CIF. I mean, our spot is basically solidified. Even if we lose on Saturday, we are very, very excited,” Atiah said.
Before the kickoff, the seniors were met on the field by family and friends to celebrate their soccer career with Foothill Tech. Each graduating member of the boys’ team was commemorated with a brief speech, and the game held a brief halftime appearance of the girls’ dance squad.
“We were really excited. Good to get a last home game with all the seniors, especially the guys that we’ve been playing with for all four years,” Asher Bayless ‘26 said.
Both teams were held to a draw in the first half, unable to hold possession. Later in the half, Foothill Tech was unable to capitalize on chances in the box, from corner kicks and on through-balls. Throughout the first half, Foothill Tech relied on aggressive plays by right wing Gavin Leedy ‘26, which kept Dunn on the backfoot.
Dylan Files ’26 readily receives the ball and is prepared to jump into action as players from Dunn School surround him, making it nearly impossible to make a safe pass. Files thinks quickly and can send the pass back to the Dragons’ defense to regroup and find a way to push the ball up towards the goal. The back and forth of attempted goals continued throughout the entire game, with only one goal successfully scored by Foothill Technology High School senior Ammar Atiah. (Allison Fossati)
“I try to play every game like we have to win it, so it wasn’t really too different. But I think there was a different level of intensity in that game … [And] it was a really hard-fought victory. Just really proud of the way the team fought and got through to CIF,” Leedy said.
In the second half, most of the play remained similar to the first half, as more chances were missed by Foothill Tech. In the 75th minute, Kenshu Cullen ‘28 made a run into the box and drew the penalty that Atiah converted to give the Dragons a long-awaited lead.
“The pressure was a lot, but I tried my hardest not to feel it and in the end ended up scoring it … I was very, very hype, the team was very, very hype,” Atiah said.
After the penalty, Foothill Tech made a few offensive plays and primarily remained on defense to wait out the clock. The Dragons successfully defended a series of near-miss corner kicks and were able to control the game to its conclusion.
With the victory, the Dragons will finish in third place in the Tri-Valley League and with a secured CIF playoff spot ahead of their final league matchup against Coast Union High School on Jan. 31.