Boys soccer has put up a very impressive record heading into the playoffs. The games were challenging with rivals like La Costa Canyon and San Pasqual, but boys soccer found themselves in the CIF championship game. In the championship game varsity soccer would clash with Torrey Pines.

On Friday, March 7 at 7:30 the clock had started playing. Torrey Pines opened with a quick goal, in the 14th minute, by Asher Booth. Carlsbad had a close goal attempt before the first half came to an end, Torrey Pines leading 1-0.

Junior Ian John wasn’t worried about the deficit going into the second half.

“I knew that at half time things were going to change,” John said. “We were able to regroup and reorganize and think about what we had to do to get back in the game.”

The team did exactly that. With 25 minutes remaining junior Emilio Bunnell scored a crucial, tying goal to make it 1-1. All but 5 minutes later freshman Andrew Forth scored another goal, putting the Lancers up. With 20 minutes left, Carlsbad just had to play safe and finish out the game.

“We just needed to see the game through, play really smart, don’t give up the ball and play nice and easy,” John said.

The Lancers were able to play smart and  sound defense the rest of the game, including a huge save by goalie Matt Deemer, who also had a diving save before halftime to keep Torrey Pines within reaching distance. Carlsbad won 2-1 in a comeback effort. This boy’s soccer’s first CIF win in the schools history.

“It really is an achievement to be the first team to win CIF in boys soccer,” junior Emilio Bunnell said. “To give the school another tittle and represent our school is a big honor and I hope that we can bring a few more back to the school.”

The CIF win sent Carlsbad to the CA state playoffs, where they will compete to try and win the state championship.

“Our season and job isn’t over yet, we still have to play for state finals,” Bunnell said. “It should be an amazing experience and the team and myself really want to make the school proud and finish strong and hopefully win the whole thing.”