You Won’t Believe Which Pali High Stars Shocked Everyone by Making All-City Soccer Teams!

The CIF City Section has announced its All-City selections, showcasing remarkable talent from the Palisades Dolphins across both boys’ and girls' soccer teams. This recognition not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the competitive spirit within high school soccer in Los Angeles.

On the boys’ side, senior midfielder Crew Norris and senior defender Carter Schwartz have made their mark. Norris played a pivotal role in the Dolphins' playoff run, scoring the tying goal with a header in a crucial quarterfinal match against Bell on February 12, leading to a 2-1 victory. Despite a hard-fought semifinal that ended in a 1-0 overtime loss to El Camino Real, the team advanced to the Southern California Regional Division III playoffs. They faced a narrow victory against Bakersfield Liberty in a shootout, but ultimately fell to Bishop Amat 3-1 in the semifinals, concluding their impressive season with a record of 18 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws.

El Camino Real's junior midfielder Diego Apolinar has been honored as the City Player of the Year, while Coach Ian Kogan earned the title of Coach of the Year after leading the Royals to the Open Division championship, clinching the title in a shootout against their West Valley rival, Birmingham.

The girls’ team from Palisades also shone brightly, with senior forward Mechal Green and senior defender Ava Loos named to the All-City Open Division squad. Green led her team with a stellar performance, amassing a total of 84 points—30 goals and 24 assists—over 19 games. Loos contributed significantly to the team’s success, anchoring a defense that recorded 10 shutouts. The Dolphins reached the semifinals but faced a tough challenge against eventual champions Cleveland, losing 4-0. Palisades, seeded eighth in the Southern California Regional Division III bracket, concluded their season with a respectable record of 14 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws, falling to San Diego Del Norte 4-3 in the first round.

In recognition of their exceptional skills, Cleveland's sophomore defender Brielle Dunn was named Player of the Year in the Open Division, while Greg Ibach, coach of the Cavaliers, received the Coach of the Year honor.

The achievements of these young athletes reflect not only their personal dedication but also the growing competitive landscape of high school soccer in Los Angeles. As the CIF City Section continues to foster talent, it sets the stage for future stars and keeps the spirit of the game alive in local communities.