After a demanding first half of the season, the boys’ soccer team started to find its rhythm.

With a mix of returning and new players, the group has embraced a competitive schedule, using each match as an opportunity to build chemistry and cohesion.

The Lightning have a season record of 9-7-3 as of The
Bolt’s print deadline,

Boys’ soccer defeated Laguna Beach with a strong 3-1 performance, a result that reflected sharper organization and growing confidence.

Head Coach Raphael Da Costa Alves said he’s prioritizing turning progress into consistent results.

“We need to win games more consistently,” Alves said, pointing to execution and converting their scoring opportunities as key areas for improvement.

“Basically, [we need to] be more consistent and confident, and finish chances,” he said. However, Alves strongly believes in the incredible potential of this year’s team.

Several players echoed the focus on converting opportunities into goals.

“We need to work on our finishing,” sophomore Sam Gabriel said. Sophomore Nico Suarez noted that inconsistency has been a significant challenge early in the season.

“We are very inconsistent. Sometimes we have good games, sometimes we play very badly,” Nico said.

At the same time, he said team chemistry has improved as players have learned to communicate more effectively. “Our team communication has improved a lot throughout the season. We have all gotten to know each other better as the season progressed,” Nico said.

Alves credited player experience and program continuity for helping the group become more connected.

“The team has grown older from last year. They have been in the system for longer, so they work better in this system,” Alves said. He added that one of the most meaningful changes has been the team’s stronger unity. “I am most proud of how everyone has been working for the last four years; the teams are much more connected than before and much more team-oriented,” he said.

That confidence has raised the group’s expectations as the boys move deeper into league and postseason play.

“We are the best team in the league, so our goal is to win the league,” Alves said.

Junior Leo Ellersiek also pointed to noticeable improvement from last season. “We are doing a lot better than last season. Good, positive start to the season, hopefully we pull through and make CIF,” he said.