For the first time in Sierra Vista men’s soccer history, the Mountain Lions finished as the first seed in their conference and were on the way to the 4A state playoffs, confident and ready to win it all. On November 1, 2023, the Sierra Vista men’s soccer team began the playoff road against the Legacy Longhorns. Camden Galloway, 10, states, “We were confident heading into playoffs. It stems from our consistent performance throughout the season, the effort of each player, and our communication as a team.”
The road started with the Mountain Lions’ battle against the Legacy Longhorns. Taking away the game with a win of 5-0 the Mountain Lions looked on to the next team. After this outstanding win, the playoff brackets placed the men’s soccer team against the Rancho Rams. Winning this game by 4-0 the men’s run continued leading them into their semi-final game against the Cheyenne Desert Shields. Lazaar Ramos, 11, scored three goals for the Mountain Lions, allowing them to take the win in a close game with a 3-2 final. With this win the men’s soccer team now faced the Bonanza Bengals in the state final. Nathan Soto, 12, states, “I felt nervous and excited for this upcoming game because I knew what was on the line.”
Once the kick-off whistle blew the battle began. The Bengals scored a goal on the Mountain Lions early leaving the men’s team trailing behind 0-1. Near the end of the first half midfielder Leo Sanchez, 12, scored a fantastic goal leaving the game tied 1-1. Murmurs started in the stands of what would happen if the game ended tied. With the clock running down in the second half, forward Lazaar Ramos, 11, finished an amazing chance putting the Mountain Lions ahead 2-1. The clock then ran out and the final whistle blew. The men’s team and coaches rushed out onto the field in celebration, the Sierra Vista men’s soccer team is now champions. Taking the NIAA 4A boys’ state trophy home to the Den. Nathan Soto, 12, mentions, “I was very much confident that we could win this game from the start, after losing to Shadow it humbled us, and we have not lost since.” Lazaar Ramos, 11, expresses, “I told the coach as soon as I came to the first training, I told coach we are winning this whole thing.”
