One-on-one battles are a game within a game in almost every team sport.

Having the ability to get the better of your opponent in front of you can make all the difference between a win and a loss for your team. Mount Si Wildcats senior midfielder Mateo Didomenico thrives in one-on-one battles.

“He is one of the best 1-v-1 defenders there is. He is dangerous going both ways (offense, defense). When we get him going forward, good things happen. He is vital to what we do with the way he attacks and the way he defends,” Mount Si Wildcats soccer head coach Darren Brown said.

The Wildcats are the class of the 4A KingCo Division and currently sit in first place with an overall record of 10-1. The success on the pitch this spring hasn’t surprised Brown in the least bit.

“Not to sound arrogant or cocky, but I have known this year was going to be special four years ago,” Brown said of the 2019 team. “We have been prepping for it. We just want to stay healthy and keep grinding every game. We take things one game at a time. That is the mission. We don’t look too far ahead.”

Didomenico, who will continue his soccer career at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, California next season, said the Wildcats aren’t getting ahead of themselves with the playoffs on the horizon in May.

“I don’t try to focus on the pressure that is on us. We just try to go out there and compete every day. We’re rolling right now. We just got to keep it going,” Didomenico said.

Having the ability to manhandle his opponents in one-on-one situations is of paramount importance for Didomenico.

“Speed and strength are a big part of it, for sure. My go-to moves are to read what he is doing, read his defense and then I can do a step-over to my left. That has been working for me. Or I will just cut in or go out. That has been working too,” he said.

Recently the Snoqualmie Valley Record had an opportunity to ask Didomenico some questions about his life away from the soccer field.

Snoqualmie Valley Record: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Mateo DiDomenico: I would have to say, “The Wolf of Wall Street.” It is entertaining.

SVR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

MD: I like hip-hop. The top of my playlist is probably Travis Scott (rapper).

SVR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MD: People that smell bad. I can’t stay next to them.

SVR: What did you think of Tiger Woods winning the Masters?

MD: That was one of the coolest things in sports probably.

SVR: How many text messages do you send per day?

MD: I’ll send a couple to my mom.

SVR: What is your dream vacation spot?

MD: My dream vacation spot is Cabo. I have never been there.