After coming off a strong pre-season performance with two wins, one draw, and one loss, the Crusaders came off of a slow start to start the regular season. Playing Coronado high school first game was a big challenge for the Crusaders, as Coronado is a high nationally ranked team. After coming off a defeat, the Crusaders would lose yet another game, but this time at home against Desert Oasis.

Starting off the season 0-2 is never the best feeling, but team captain Nick Fitzgerald still had lots of hope in the team. “Losing in sports is never fun, but the most important thing is bouncing back, we’re working hard now and ready to go forward“

Head coach Cameron Merrill and coach Casey Stelmachowicz prepared the players both mentally and physically. Throughout the week the Crusaders train two to three times a week, and with a team meeting/film session after school. However, this week, film session was heavily prioritized.

Having film and regathering with the team reeled back the crusaders focus and would look to approach the next four games more technical and tactical. That’s exactly what the boys soccer team did.

Adding to the challenge, the Crusaders entered this season competing in 5A, a major step up from their 4A division last year. Looking to bounce back, the Crusaders would face Eldorado, Las Vegas Highschool, Liberty, and Bishop Gorman. The Crusaders held their ground tying Eldorado, securing back-to-back wins over Las Vegas and Liberty, and finishing with a hard-fought draw against Bishop Gorman. The turnaround not only put momentum back on their side but also proved that the team could compete at the higher level.

With their resilience on display and confidence growing each match, the Crusaders have shown they belong in 5A. The early setbacks now serve as motivation, and the team looks ahead to the rest of the season with sharpened focus, a tighter bond, and the belief that they can compete with anyone on the field.