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Stephens and Washington faced off for the All-City Middle School Boys’ Soccer Division 2 Championship, and the game’s fast start set the tone for what would become an undeniably electric game.
Stephens entered the game as the defending All-City Champions and were chasing back-to-back titles, quickly proving they would do anything to get there.
Early in the match, Stephens’ Bruno Mosqueda sent one into the back of the net to put his team up 1-0. At the end of the first half, the score still held.
Despite fighting from behind, Washington was determined to create a different scoreline.
In the second half, Washington’s Jose Lopez Ramirez put in their equalizer with a ball to the top corner. For the rest of the half, the score remained stuck in the tie – until the final ten minutes.
With the championship coming down to the wire and the final whistle set to blow, Stephens had a scoring opportunity via a corner kick. Mosqueda sent the ball into the box where it found Gustavo Herrera, who finished the chance an scored the inevitable game winner for his team.
This championship is a testament to the team’s hard work throughout the season, Head Coach Sandra Castillo said. Most of Stephens’ squad was able to maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher, which showed their overall success on and off the field.
“Long road it’s taken to get where we are,” Stephens Head Coach Sandra Castillo said. “[I am happy with] how our administration has held the team accountable.”
Castillo said she was very proud of her team, especially in their fight for the back-to-back championship titles. Next season, Stephens will continue this fight as they look to make it a 3-peat.
