Sharks Soccer Beats League Rival

The boys varsity soccer team remains on course for a Tri-Valley League title this season after Giovani Landou's 21st minute penalty kick during the second half on Friday secured a 2-1 victory in the Sharks' league match against Oak Park.

The Sharks (10-1-1, 5-1-1 in Frontier League) fought terrible weather conditions and came up with a great victory that will have them feeling full of confidence against a strong Oaks Christian team on Monday.

Malibu senior Sam Haft scored first in the 19th minute of the game with a clinical finish following a rebound after the Oak Park (8-6-2, 3-5-0 in Frontier League) goalkeeper couldn't hang on to a rocketed volley by star senior playmaker Giovani Landou.

Minutes later, the Sharks had a chance to double their tally as a dangerous free kick outside the 18-yard box was awarded to the home side. Junior Adam Fote's fantastic direct strike at goal was on track to hit the back of the net, but was miraculously saved by a closed-eyed, praying Oak Park goalkeeper.

The visitors seemed to be barely hanging on, but out of nowhere they found an equalizer as one of their players produced a perfectly aimed shot that found the back of the net.

The score was leveled at halftime, but there was an overwhelming feeling that the Sharks had played better and produced more chances than their counterparts.

Malibu replicated its good start from the first half when the sides reemerged for the second. Haft kept terrorizing Oak Park with well-calculated, fast-paced runs that had the defense scrambling backward. Great wing play by freshman JoeMack Leonardo gave the Sharks additional opportunities on the right wing.

Malibu jumped in front after 21 minutes of play. Haft seized onto a through ball 25 yards out and started his trademark run toward the goal, provoking a foul inside the box. Landou calmly walked up to the penalty spot and with a strong, accurate shot, scored the winning goal of the game.

The Sharks were quick to turn the screw after taking the lead, tightening things up on defense.

Head coach Lloyd Kinnear was pleased with the way his team played, commenting, "The terrible windy conditions made it hard to play, but I am happy that the boys came through with a victory that didn't come down to technical or tactical play ... it came down to the boys playing with pure heart and a strong desire to win."