DOLPHINS TAKE SOCCER TITLE

By Niko Bulaon

Islanders’ Augustine Choi takes a shot at Dolphins’ goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

After two years of disappointments, the Southern Dolphins took the IIAAG boys’ soccer title, defeating the tough JFK Islanders, 1-0, at the GFA field Saturday night.

“It feels really good,” said Dolphins’ goalie C.J. Lujan, “Brought our first championship to Southern High.”

At the start of the first half, both teams tried to pick up momentum to put the favor on their side, but untimely shots and saves by both keepers kept the game scoreless. With the aggressiveness of the game taking off, a pushing foul in the goalie’s box led to a penalty kick for Southern. With ease, MVP Donny Reyes shot the ball passed the Islanders’ goalie to put his team up at the 8th minute.

Dolphins thank their parents for supporting them throughout the season. (photo by Jesse Castro)

With the Islanders blasting the ball to try and tie with their opponents, Lujan stepped up, grabbing a total of nine saves in the game.

“I just told myself to fight to the finish and to keep my team on top,” said Lujan.

Going into the second half, the Islanders started with great determination, playing to match the aggressiveness of the Dolphins. JFK soon started shooting the ball, but Lujan was ready for anything.

After multiple tries by both teams, a huge opportunity came for the Islanders. With fluid passing between Philip Ogo and Agi Choi, the chase down began. Ogo soon had an opening with Lujan slightly out of position, tipping the ball right passed the keeper, but being a couple inches away from the opposite goal post, the ball rolled passed the goal.

Dolphins’ Vincent Angoco defends his area by kicking the ball into Islander territory. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The Dolphins soon found other openings to grow their lead, but the Islanders’ defense matched with their opponents to keep the ball away. With minutes passing by, the Dolphins’ stamina outgrew JFK’s to keep their lead solid until the final whistle to name themselves 2013 champions.

The Dolphins’ boys’ soccer team is the third Southern sports team to win a championship in just this quarter alone. When Lujan was asked how it feels to add to the list, he said, “It’s really great. I’m really proud of our school.”

Third Place Match

The St. John’s Knights defeated the Harvest Eagles in the third place match, 1-0. Knights Daniel Del Carmen scored the lone goal.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Dolphins’ goalkeeper Celvin Lujan stops the Islanders attack. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins pose for their parents and fans moments before receiving the championship trophy. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins chase down their coach to show their gratitude. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins’ Celvin Lujan looks back to his fans as his teammates head to congratulate the Islanders on a well-played game. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins run out to the field as the game ended in celebration of their win over the Islanders. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Philip Ogo tries to get the ball in position for an attack. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Augustine Choi starts his attack on the Dolphins’ goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

At the Islanders goal, Dolphins’ Kieth Surber passes the ball out to a teammate for a better shot at the goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Sora Recella on the attack as Dolphins’ Riley Jones defends the area. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Austin Borja heads the ball towards a teammate in the midfield. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins’ Donny Reyes takes control of the ball while Islanders’ Aljurrel Grape looks to defend his area. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins and Islanders fight for control of the ball in Islander territory. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Dolphins’ Donny Reyes kicks the penalty shot for the goal. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ Philip Ogo defends his area by kicking the ball towards Dolphins’ territory. (photo by Jesse Castro)