Categories:

A Season To Remember

Soccer team earns playoff spot in Elite 8
Byline photo of Mia Nakiso
Byline photo of Mia Jade Colmenero
By Mia Nakiso and Mia Jade Colmenero
Apr 4, 2025
A Season To Remember

The loud sound of silence surrounds the huddle. Every head looked up at the scoreboard.

This is their last chance. 

Varsity boys soccer beat the Chisholm Trail Rangers on March 25 in Midland to advance to the Elite 8. At the next round, the Aztecs competed against the Americas Trailblazers on March 31 at SAC 2, but fell short 3-0. Still, school history was made under the leadership of head coach Oswaldo Saucedo and assistant coaches Omar Carmona and Marisela Seanez, who helped the boys become the first Aztecs to make it this far in the state playoffs in a true season to remember. 

“I feel that the biggest challenge Americas presented was their hunger to beat us. We had beaten them every game for the last three years and, unfortunately, gave them their first win when it mattered the most,” senior center-back Elijah Pascale said.

 

All Love. Arm in arm, senior Alex Orquiz hugs principal Venessa Betancourt after the game on March 31 at SAC 2 against the Americas Trailblazers. Orquiz recorded a total of 131 points in his high school career. “I felt every kind of emotion, it was sad to know our run was over, but I was happy I made history, and I was able to put up 7 goals in 4 years of playoff games and I ended my four years on varsity on an amazing note,” Orquiz said. (Photo by Iratze Rede)

Senior winger Saul Garcia experienced winning bi-district, area, and regional finals. Garcia had a hard time realizing it was the last moments of his high school career. 

“The team knew it was going to be a hard game and that we had to go in strong and quick in order to maintain the level of soccer that we were playing at. I’m pretty disappointed with the result of the match knowing we were the better team and how much of a difference there could’ve been. However, I stand tall with my head up and ready for what’s next,” Garcia said.

For senior midfielder Matias Muniz, who suffered a knee injury this season, he was proud to see his team be the first to make it to the Elite 8 at El Dorado.

Frozen in Time. Dribbling the ball, senior Forward Ulyses Echeverria looks forward passing the ball on March 31 at SAC 2 against the Americas Trailblazers. The Aztecs fell short with the final score of 3-0. “Yes we had mistakes and not our best game but I saw the team keep trying to put one in the net and never turned their backs,” Echeverria said. (Photo by Mia Jade Colmenero)

“The thoughts I had going through my mind in the final minutes was just knowing we had lost and that the team had given all they had. Despite the outcome, what I’m most proud of from the game is knowing we gave everything and that we had made history for El Dorado soccer,” Muniz said.

Pascale experienced winning against the Trailblazers two times this season, although this time around was much different.

“I’m proud of how this team came together as a family to make history. We all knew it was the end of the road for most of us and that we weren’t gonna be able to play with one another again. We had all promised one another that we would do everything in our power to make this last run as long as possible. We made school history and solidified our legacy,” Pascale said.

Trophy Smile. Posing with their trophies, seniors Elijah Pascale, Alex Orquiz, and Saul Garcia smile with their awards in March 31 in the B100 hall. “These titles mean the world to me as they will forever represent the team that was able to achieve history, and overcome many challenges, and obstacles,” Garcia said. (Photo by Mia Nakiso)



Print this Story
More to Discover
More in Sports
Clutch Combo. Smiling for the cameras, seniors Gabriel Terrazas and David Martinez pose for photos after their signing on April 11 in the theater. Terrazas and Martinez became friends when they were assigned to be locker buddies their sophomore year. “Gabe and I have grown a lot closer,” Martinez said. “Being with each other everyday for three years formed a bond that is nearly unbreakable.”
Not Over Yet
Game Changer. Moving with a purpose, junior Andrew Estrada walks to the sideline with the “turn over chain” around his neck on Sept. 20 at Eastwood High School. The chain was put around Estrada’s neck because of his defensive turnover against the Troopers. “I got an interception late in the game to sway the momentum in my team's favor when we needed it most,” Estrada said. “It was a surreal experience to be able to contribute to a big win for the Empire.”
Our House Now
Step By Step
Step By Step
A Fresh Inning
A Fresh Inning
The men’s soccer program donated four bikes for children in need on Dec. 14, 2022. This is a tradition Coach Saucedo wants his team to keep following because he loves giving back to his community.
You Can Count on Us
Aztecs school teachers in faculty basketball game
Aztecs school teachers in faculty basketball game
About the Contributors
Mia Nakiso
Mia Nakiso, Photo Editor
Mia Nakiso is a senior AGO News photo editor. It is her first year as an editor and second year on staff. She enjoys covering sports athletes, and writing stories. Nakiso will also lead the Lady Aztecs Basketball team as captain this year.
Mia Jade Colmenero
Mia Jade Colmenero, Editor In Chief & Creative Director
Mia Jade Colmenero is the Editor and Chief and Creative Director of The Legend yearbook. She has been on staff for three years. When she is not working on designing the yearbook, you can find her running through the school halls helping as a student council member.
Iratze Rede
Iratze Rede, Photo Editor
PhotoIratze Rede is a first year index editor for The Legend Yearbook. This is her first year on staff. She loves playing volleyball, going to practices, hanging out with friends and listening to music. When she is not in practice, you can find her taking picture of games.