The last whistle blows, signaling the end regular season for boys soccer. With a 6-5 record, the team’s eyes are set on the CIF championship title.

“We need to continue working hard, there’s always room to improve in all areas mentally and physically for the crucial games in the end of this season,” coach Ignacio Lopez said.

As their regular season came to conclusion on last Friday the team was ranked third in the Bay League standings, giving them a chance at the CIF title. That week the team lost to Costa and Palos Verdes to end conference play, which was crucial for a higher seed going into the playoffs. But the losses only fueled a fire for the team to learn from their mistakes.

“We have to continue working on commitment and discipline that way we are more solid as a unit,” Lopez said.

According to Lopez he said there were many moments that he enjoyed watching during the season, including seeing the team start with fourteen seniors, nine of which were returning, from their last Bay League run.

“This season will be remembered because the seniors were having fun and enjoying their last year together,” Lopez said.

Next year’s team will be interesting for him as he has already prepared all of his incoming seniors and underclassmen to relax and play the game hard just like the ones that came before them.

“Every school goes through the same process. We lose seniors every year and it’s like starting all over. So next year will be a challenge,” Lopez said

But with the team in his hands now believe they still have a fighting chance to succeed this year.

“We have talented players and once we regroup and fix the mistakes are fixed the tem will be very solid,” captain Damien Sanchez, senior, said. “It would be a great accomplishment, because it’s my last year, and it would be fun leaving high school soccer with a CIF ring.”

With their first CIF game on Feb. 16 against one of the top soccer schools in the state, Valencia, RUHS looks to play hard and win every ball in order to win their tough upcoming battle.

“It came from coaches and opposing teams saying we were the best team and the way we play passionate soccer is something unique in the soccer world,” said Lopez.