Pasadena Poly’s Ali Kamal is one of a kind

Perhaps the Pasadena Poly boys’ soccer team didn’t have the strongest season in 2012-2013.

Yet, what the Panthers can boast something no other squad in the city can claim — exclusivity — as junior striker Ali Kamal was the lone local name present on the All-CIF Southern Section boys’ soccer list released Monday afternoon.

Kamal is making his second straight appearance on the Division VI list after earning a third-team nod last season.

This year, Kamal led the Prep League third-place Panthers (9-9-5) with nine goals, most of which came during league.

“He scored a lot of goals in the second half of Prep League play,” Panthers Coach Doug Jolly said. “He was a good player who drew a lot of attention, fair or unfair, and scored a bunch of big goals.”

Perhaps Jolly was more impressed with Kamal’s mental outlook than his physical prowess.

“He always stayed focused and kept a positive perspective. At times, he was our only forward, so it could be frustrating when you’re the one option,” Jolly said. “So, he took on a bigger role mentally and physically. He got better and better as the season wore on.”