The St. Patrick-St. Vincent Bruins and the John Swett Warriors face off in an intense rivalry game

On Tuesday evening , The Boys SPSV soccer team delivered a hard-fought victory, and I had the chance to sit down with Coach Palma to reflect on the game. While there’s plenty to celebrate, Coach Palma was honest about the challenges his team faces and shared his hopes for the few games ahead.

A Mixed Bag of Emotions

When asked how he felt about the game, Coach Palma expressed a combination of pride and frustration. “I’m happy we won the game tonight,” he said, “but I’m disappointed it ended a little early and that it got a bit out of control physically for our guys.”

Despite the challenges, Coach Palma is optimistic. “We’ve played one really strong half this season—a half good enough to compete with anyone—but the goal is to find consistency. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we can put it all together and make a strong playoff run. That’s the team I want to see.”

Key Moments in the Game

Reflecting on the turning points, Coach Palma highlighted the team’s improved play late in the half. “We had better touches and made more meaningful passes,” he noted. “It didn’t help the other team when they had a player sent off, but it helped us that we stayed focused and took advantage of our possessions.

"We didn’t score a lot of goals—just one, really—but we created more opportunities. If we can channel the energy we had in the first half against Richmond or Kennedy, we’re going to be a really good team."

What Saved the Game

When asked whether offense or defense saved the game, Coach Palma was quick to point to the team’s resilience. “Honestly, it was our pride. We didn’t play great offense or defense tonight, and I think the players would agree. But deep down, we just weren’t going to lose this one.

“There have been games this season we let slip away, but this one we held onto.”

Standout Players

Coach Palma also gave credit to a few players who made an impact. “I loved the way Silva played tonight. JoJo was standout—he’s the backbone of our team. JoJo is one of those players who’s always involved in the key moments of the game. Whether it’s making a crucial defensive play to stop the opposition or starting an offensive push with a perfectly placed pass.

 He also mentioned  Yahir Garcia’s offensive contributions and had a word of encouragement for Yahir. “Garcia had two quality shots, and Yahir showed flashes of his potential. Once he fully commits to the sport, he’s going to be incredible.”

Looking Ahead

While the victory is something to celebrate, Coach Palma is focused on the bigger picture. “If we can find consistency and play to our potential, this team has a bright future. I’m excited to see what’s ahead.”