LONG BEACH — Despite its 11 shots on goal, the Millikan boys soccer team was unable to come away with a win against Long Beach Poly on Wednesday night.
The contest ended in a scoreless tie at Poly High. This was mainly due to an incredible performance by Poly goalkeeper Mekiah Twal, who made 10 saves.
Both teams are still looking for their first win in the Moore League. Poly (3-6-4 overall, 0-0-2 league) will face rival Wilson on Friday. Millikan (9-3-2, 0-0-2) will host Long Beach Jordan on Friday.
Millikan forward Grant Johnson, left, and Long Beach Poly goalkeeper Mekaih Twal, right, each played a big role in a scoreless between the teams in a Moore League game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Photo by Cristian Vasquez)
The first 40 minutes of the contest saw lots of fouls by both sides. Millikan committed 10 fouls in the first half.
Senior captain Ivan Cervantes Vega tried to get the Rams on the scoreboard but all three of his shots on goal missed. Two of the shots were saved by Twal.
“This season I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence and my team backing me and supporting me,” Twal said. “I felt like I was able to just give it my all.”
Midway through the first half, Millikan’s Ethan Weinman and Grant Johnson both missed opportunities to take the lead.
“We’ve tied another game that we’ve had significantly more chances than the other team had,” said Millikan head coach Jeff Schofield. “Moore League games are just so hectic because everyone knows each other and the intensity is there.”
Poly found a rhythm in the second half, attacking Millikan goalkeeper Kirby Sheets’ net after a lackluster first half where it managed just one shot on goal.
The Jackrabbits came close to scoring late in the half when junior Matthew Sanchez volleyed the ball toward Sheets, only to have the sophomore keeper punch it out.
“I’m proud of my boys. (It was) a hard battle,” said Poly head coach Carlos Casillas, “it was back and forth, but I mean the boys fought till the end.”
Casillas’ son, junior midfielder Carlos Casillas Jr., had a chance at a goal late in the game but sailed his kick over the right post.
In the final minutes, Johnson had a final attempt at a goal, but his powerful right-footer went directly into the fists of Twal, who punched the ball out.
“I know Grant and I know he’s strong on his right foot,” Twal said, “so I was ready at my near post.”
Johnson and Twal, who have a longtime friendship, shared a friendly moment after the match.
“We regrouped and got better,” Johnson said. “We started having more chances at the end, but we just couldn’t finish.”