The Lotus Varsity soccer team battled it out against #2 ranked Bishop Machebeuf on November 5th. After falling short in last year’s championship game against Crested Butte, this year they were determined to seek a place in the state finals again. After 80 minutes of a hard long fight, the Lotus boys prevailed, making it into the finals for the second year in a row.

Let’s take a look back at what got them to this enormous achievement.

The past two years, the team showed brotherhood, hard work, dedication, and passion for the beautiful sport which is what makes Lotus soccer special.

Senior Carlos Martinez says, “The team is more than just an organization. We are a family, a brotherhood trying to accomplish the same objectives.”

The Lotus Boys Coach Bennett Pang sets high standards for his varsity team. Coach Pang has been building Lotus’s soccer program for the past three years. He says, “My goal is to reach our potential as a team. I am proud that we have made it this far but I hope my team understands the job isn’t done here.”

Together, they are working to further prove people wrong and put respect on our school’s name. Long, late night practices, bus rides, food fights on the bus, team clean-up days, and team meals have been key aspects to the community that’s being created here at Lotus’s soccer program.

Senior Alexis Ruiz says, “The culture we built as a team is something you have to be a part of to understand.”

The team made it into the semifinals after defeating the #3 ranked Thomas McLaren in the state quarter finals game. They were led by senior Jason Izaguirre and junior Fredy Peraza as both players scored beautiful goals. The Meteors took the lead in the first 20th minute through a goal by Fredy Peraza after he left 3 players behind and buried the ball into the net. At half time, the score was 1-0. Senior Arda Hakverdi found fellow senior Jason with a header which Jason also headered past the keeper for a goal. The Meteors held on to their 2-1 lead for the rest of the game to clinch a spot in the state semifinals. Thanks to the amazing dedication that the boys have held through this season, they have come this far. Now, all that is needed is support from their Lotus crowd.

Stay tuned for our next article, which will cover the impressive feat at the state championship game. Let’s go Meteors!