After winning CIF for the first time in school history, the boys soccer team was scheduled to play in the state championship against some of Southern California’s finest. Carlsbad had a record of 20-5-3, setting them up as the 6th seed.

The first match of the postseason in the quarter final was against San Clemete. With consistency guarding the goal, goalie Matt Deemer showed skills with 5 saves throughout the game. Sam Oakes scored a goal along with an assist from Colin Morrison. San Clemente was able to score a goal to tie the game at 1, sending the teams to overtime. Eventually, the Lancers got the edge and won on penalty kicks 4-3, giving Carlsbad the 2-1 victory and earning them a spot in the semifinals.

In the next round, the Lancers went toe-to-toe with Birmingham. Oakes was able to capatilize early on, scoring a goal. Goalie Deemer’s saves and strong defense late in the game contributed to the team’s win. With smart strategic play and Deemer’s defense, Carlsbad was able to top out and win 1-0,  sending the Lancers to the championship game. This would be Carlsbad’s first attempt at the big state trophy.

In the championship game, the boys soccer team faced their toughest opponent, Loyola High School, with a record of 30-0-6. The game took place at Warren High School on a spring evening with Carlsbad supporters cheering on the team. Loyola took the early lead scoring the first goal of the game. With only a few minutes left in the half, Ethan Cowling scored a goal to have the game tied at 1 going into halftime. With 3 minutes left Loyola scored a goal, giving them the advantage at 2-1. Unable to score once more, Carlsbad fell to Loyola in the championship bringing their season to an end.

Although unable to secure the state championship, boys soccer still had a historic season winning the CIF Championship and playing one of the best teams in the state finals.  With many returning players next season, there’s a very good chance that the Lancers could be right back in the state finals for years to come.