By Mason Vargas
GOALLLLLLL after GOALLL is what Westmont’s boys soccer team is hoping for this season. The 2025 season has begun, meaning the team’s journey for success is underway. The Warriors wrapped up last season with an overall record of 15-6-1, finishing league 11-2-1 and securing first place in BVAL’s Mt. Hamilton division, the top division in BVAL. The numbers, however, don’t do justice to their accomplishments. From being promoted into “A-league” for the 2023-2024 season and finishing third, to dominating the league and earning first place during the 2024-2025 season. The team qualified for CCS, being placed in the Open Division—once again, the top division. Battling through CCS, they made it into the semi-finals, ultimately suffering defeat 2-0 versus the one seed, Bellarmine College Preparatory. They qualified for the NorCal State Playoffs in the 2nd division for the first time in program history, losing against Pitman High School in a tough 3-2 loss in overtime. The Warriors started this season with a statement win, 3-0, versus Monta Vista. Later in the week, they faced tough nearby opponents, Los Gatos High School, who they were defeated by 3-1. In their last three games, the team tied with Los Altos High School, Branham High School, and last year’s NorCal State Division 2 winners, Mountain View High School. The team is led by captains Lukas Neikell, Giovanni “Gio” Santos, and Fransisco “Adriano” Irias. I spoke with Lukas, asking him about the team’s strengths. “We’re a really young team with lots of energy and speed. We are also a physical team and play as a unit,” Lukas stated. “As far as room to grow, we are currently working on becoming more consistent and playing our game.” Lukas has been a member of the varsity team since his freshman year. A tall, strong defender with quick feet, Lukas helps lead the team, playing a pivotal role in the backline. “What’s your favorite part about being on the team?” I asked him, “My favorite part of the team is all the new people that I never would’ve met without being on the team,” he replied. Managed by head coach Matthew Schembri since the 2019-2020 season, the team hopes to continue hunting for glory, regaining the league title, and making CCS for the rest of the season. Come watch them play on January 3, 2026, versus Archbishop Mitty at 5 pm at Westmont!