Royal Highlanders boys varsity soccer scored one goal winning against Burbank High School Bulldogs on Thursday, November 30. Previous to this game the Highlanders had won against Santa Paula High School, 3-0. Senior, Shane Donis, scored the winning goal leading the Highlanders to a non-league victory on Thursday. Boys soccer is a program to develop brilliant soccer players. Seniors Dominic Pacheco, Wil Reyes, Jacob Joske, and Jose Vargas’ main goal this season is to win Royal’s sixth CIF champion title.
Each player on and off the field contributes and benefits the team and game in different ways. They work together and do whatever to win. Players individually have to handle academic and athletic pressure this season. Reyes stated, “Since my dad introduced me to soccer when I was five years old I have learned to handle pressure and prepare mentally for games. I try to keep my mind on positive factors and trust that my skills are enough to take on anyone. Being a part of this team has built my confidence and given me the opportunity to get closer to different people.”
The players must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to actively play and stay on the team. Pacheco stated, “I have worked on my time management so far to be able to complete and maintain good grades, I do this by using my time wisely in class and making time after school to complete any leftover work.” Pacheco, Vargas, and Reyes’ main focus during a game is to have no goals conceded. If all players have determination and motivation to do well academically and athletically, they are leading themselves for a successful season.
On Monday, December 4, the team played an away game at Fillmore High School which ended with a tie. Their next game is at home against Notre Dame High School on December 7, come cheer them on!
