Boys Varsity Soccer Kicks Union From Game-Winning Lead

By Jimena Robles and Michaela Brown

The boy’s varsity soccer game against Tulare Union on November 29th, 2022 started off with a 0-1 trial, to a 2-1 memorable win.

The game was 0-1 until Jacob Mccullough ’23 tied things up. The team altogether had had a rough start with many failed attempts to kick in a goal for a momentous push.

Mccullough ’23 says, “When I was trying to score, I was really just trying to put our team ahead, I just couldn’t get it done. I took a few attempts to score. It was mentally draining because I kept missing. But I got it done.” 

After tieing the game, the team felt a weight lifted off their shoulders. Mccullough ’23 says, “I was really excited because I got our team back in the game.”

As the game continued, the defense worked incredibly hard trying to maintain the tie and gain a lead for the first time in the game. Working together to create opportunities to score a goal, the Rangers still struggled to find a way to a lead.

Ben Garcia ’23 was able to find an outstanding way to get the Rangers on top. With the game on the line, momentum had taken over and Garcia ’23 had kicked a bicycle kick into the net for the go-ahead goal.

Coach Joey Chica says, “I didn’t really expect it, it was just kinda one of those things that you don’t really expect to happen and go in. seeing that as a team, you could tell the team level picked up.”

Garcia ’23 says, “I was surprised and excited when I scored the goal.” 

Although Garica ’23 ended up being the saving grace for the Rangers, it was without a doubt an amazing team effort.

Garcia ’23 says, “I just knew if it wasn’t for that goal then we would have scored at one point because we were so close for so many chances.”

The Rangers were able to keep their guards up and take the win over Tulare Union. Coach Joey Chica says, “A win’s a win and that’s all I can really ask for.”

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