The Edguardian: An Undefeated Force

Despite a heartbreaking loss at the CIF playoffs in the first round, the boys soccer team dominated throughout an undefeated season, signaling an evolution in the school’s soccer program…

The sky was reaching dusk as the referee blew on the whistle. The New Roads soccer team had defeated Wildwood School in a nail-biting match with a final score of 3-2. With 3 goals by Edgar Silva, New Roads had done what they had failed to do the year before: beat Wildwood. 

The New Roads soccer team ended the season with a dominating 15-1-1 record, going undefeated until the CIF playoffs. Led by seniors Edgar Silva, Owen O’Keefe, Austin Evans, Enzo Navarro, and Ari Candela, the New Roads soccer team was a formidable force due to the expertise of veteran players, new leadership, and overall team cohesion.

With the introduction of the new soccer coaches, Hunter Stewart and Patrick, the New Roads soccer team entered a new stage of its development, becoming stricter and more unified through organized communication/teamwork.

“The newer coaches definitely introduced more discipline to the team,” said senior and co-captain O'Keefe. “They had lots of experience, and taught us to be aggressive and take advantage, but not to be disrespectful.”

With renewed discipline and force, the New Roads soccer team pushed through a dominant season. Throughout the season, New Roads School faced off against numerous tough teams, winning each one. 

They faced off against Geffen Academy twice and defeated them both times 2-1. They also faced HMSA and won 3-1. However, the most difficult game that they won was against Cerritos, beating the Division 3 team 2-1. 

Through these victories, New Roads slowly inched towards the most important event for not just the team, but for the whole school: Spirit Night. 

The New Roads team would face off against their greatest rivals to secure victory for New Roads. Through a bitterly fought game, New Roads would secure the victory with a 3-2 score in the second half. 

(Photograph: NRS Athletics Instagram)

“It was one of the best games… our team had a lot of spirit,” said senior and captain Silva. “Scored 3 goals, could’ve scored 5 goals,” Edgar commented when asked about his dominating performance. 

However, how was New Roads able to perform this well? 

“I would say their camaraderie,” Head of Athletics Director of New Roads Richard Jenkins said. “They had a great chemistry on and off the pitch. Some around campus, you always see four or five of them at least together.”

Through the years, the New Roads seniors stuck with the soccer team as they helped be a part of the boys' soccer team legacy. As they leave to go out to college, they have one final word of advice to give to them.

“Hope they continue to make the playoffs, and next year win the league,” said senior Ari Candela.

“Make sure to have each other's back, because if you can fail together, then you will succeed together,” said O’Keefe

“I’m proud of everyone on the team,” said Silva. “I feel even without me or the seniors, the team will still be strong.”