Unlike regular games, a failure in a NCS marks the end of the soccer season for the failing team. Knowing this, the Heritage Soccer team members felt discouraged. Yet, they used this feeling of disappointment as fuel to motivate them to try harder, keep their spirits high, and acknowledge that they put their best efforts forward.   

This event took place last Wednesday on February 14th at Monta Vista High School. The Heritage soccer players began the game with a steady flow of successes, but as half time approached, Monta Vista caught up,  unfortunately leaving the score at 1-3. This loss hit the team members pretty hard, yet they kept their head up and remained confident in their overall performance.

  “I feel that everything happens for a reason. We tried our absolute best and that’s all that matter in the end,” said Christian

Mattos (11).

  The boys practiced for hours on end in attempt to perfect their skills and quicken their reflexes. They would practice after school at the field and even on weekends. Their coach, Coach Caniglia, helped them maintain an enthusiastic attitude when they began to hesitant about their performance.

 They express their love and respect for their coach, as they are aware that without his uplifting drive, they would have not been able to push through practice and learn how to support one another.

  “Coach Caniglia had us practice really hard and long for this game. Whenever we had doubts, he encouraged us with his positive words. He showed us how to support one another and lift each other up,” said Armando Ambriz (11).

 This bump in the road has motivated the team to try new methods of training and to focus more on their defense skills. They acknowledge that perfection has to be mastered through continuous practice, that they are more than willing to put forth.

  “We as a team never let failure get to us because we know that it never happens

because of lack of will or practice. We are going to train harder than ever and kill it next season,” said Elias Orocio (11).

  The Heritage soccer team will be taking this time to master their abilities. They are ready to reach their goals, literally and figuratively! Their family members and friends cannot wait until the next season rolls around to see what they will bring to the field!