The varsity boys’ soccer team is one of the top four teams to get into districts, and they have a dream to win States.

Senior Richard Sandoval made the winning goal in a game against Southridge, ending the game with a solid 1-0 and securing the a position in districts.

“Soccer basically made me. It has transformed me into the person I am today through discipline and leadership,” Sandoval said. “It has taught  me never to give up on anything.”

Seniors Joseph Mousa and Marcus Christian, the co-captains of the team, are excited to make districts.

“The reward at the end of the game motivates me because it’s basically the opportunity to get a college scholarship and to hopefully play on the highest level,” Christian said “I plan on getting a soccer scholarship and playing for four years.”

Mousa’s childhood dream was to play football, and his speed was his best asset. However, he felt that his short height could prevent him from being the best, so he pursued soccer.

“In soccer you can be any height; just look at Messi, one of the world’s best players,” Mousa said.

Mousa started to play club soccer at Cutler  Ridge Park at the age of  eight.

“Ever since then I’ve been in the same club for ten years playing with the same people,” Mousa said.“It really made it fun because you play more as a team and go to soccer tournaments around the state.”

Mousa has always played defense, but recently moved to center-midfield.

“Soccer is the best sport in the world and I can’t live without it,” Mousa said.

Other than co-captains Mousa and Christian, Coach Baur Hart said the best players on the field are sophomore Ethan Spivak and junior Lyle Lindquist.

“When I have the opportunity, I make the most of it,” Spivak said.

Coach Baur Heart says he and Lindquist are on the same page in terms of the game.

Many freshman had the opportunity to make it on the varsity team because Palmetto does not have a junior varsity team.

“It’s very nerve-racking; if you mess up, the seniors will be on you, but it’s a great environment and a learning experience,” freshman Max Orshan said. “I’m so happy I made this team”.

There are four teams in the district playoffs: the Varella Vipers, the Killian Cougars, the Coral Reef Barracudas and the Palmetto Panthers.

“Varella will be the most difficult team to defeat because they are ranked number one right now and have a big time program. They know how to play soccer,” Christian said.

The winners of the district playoffs get to compete in Regionals and then States.

With their heads held high and their fingers crossed, the boys’ soccer team plans on making it all the way through.