Led by Head Coach Chris Walter ’93 and assistant coaches Trevor Mutch ’98 and Brad Legant, the varsity soccer team is 5-0-3 through its first eight games this season. This year’s varsity squad features sophomores, juniors and seniors, bringing a mix of youth and experience to the team.
The team opened the Westside Tournament with a tie on Dec. 12 against South Torrance.
In the second game of the tournament, the team tied 2-2 against Peninsula High School on Dec. 14. Senior forward Aidan Cuevas scored both goals for the Cubs.
On Dec. 9 the team was eliminated from the West Coast Showcase with a loss against Paramount, who is ranked fifth in the country.
Regular time concluded with a 1-1 tie, so the game went into penalty kicks. Paramount ultimately won the game 3-5 in penalties. Junior Henry Smith-Hastie, junior Nico Mancilla and senior Aidan Cuevas all capitalized on their shots.
Head Coach Chris Walter said, “We proved to ourselves and a lot of others that we can play with anyone. We were right with them and could have easily won the game. We gained a lot of experience and confidence from the game against Paramount.”
The varsity soccer team faced Long Beach Wilson in their opening home game on Dec. 5. In the first half of the game, Loyola controlled the possession on the attacking half of the field. Loyola went up 1-0 early in the first half when senior Will Friedman connected on a corner kick delivered to the far post by junior Henry Smith-Hastie.
Quick build-up play later in the first half saw sophomore Grayson Doody through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. Doody finished, putting the Cubs up 2-0 heading into halftime.
Senior Diego Avila gave the Cubs an insurance goal in the second half to make the final score 3-0. With this victory over Long Beach in the third game of the Westside Tournament, the Cubs extended their record to 3-0.
Sophomore Eric Arreola said, “We had a great home opener against Wilson. I think we are connecting a lot better, especially in the offensive third.”
The team traveled to Redondo Union High School on Nov. 30 to face the Sea Hawks in the second game of the Westside Tournament. Goals from Brennan Hilger, Henry Smith-Hastie and Diego Avila gave the Cubs a 3-1 victory.
The team opens league play against Crespi on Jan. 3.
