LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On the afternoon of Feb. 27, 2026, Los Alamitos High School boys’ varsity soccer were named the California Interscholastic Federation Division III champions. However, the actual final match was scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026. So, how does a team win a championship before even stepping on the turf? In Los Alamitos’ case, it was a forfeit. 

Earlier in the day, around 11:45 a.m. Los Alamitos’ opponent in the final, Calabasas High School boys’ soccer withdrew from the CIF-SS Division III Championship. According to an official statement by the Calabasas High School boys soccer team, the Calabasas High School administration reported a player to be in violation of CIF-SS Bylaw 600. This player had an expired contract with his MLS Next club soccer team that previously allowed him to play high school soccer; with the expiration of his contract, the player is now ineligible to play in further high school games.  

“A student on a high school team becomes ineligible if the student competes in a contest on an “outside” team, in the same sport, during the student’s high school season of sport,” states CIF Bylaw 600.  

The statement also reads that the school’s administration’s decision to forfeit was made without the consultation of the team’s coach and players, leaving many of them deeply disheartened at the surprising end of their season. Regardless, the team acknowledges the necessity to comply with CIF regulations and applauds their team for an exceptional season. Therefore, with Calabasas’ forfeit, the CIF handed the title to Los Alamitos High School.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that even though it was acquired in a non-traditional manner, this championship title for the LAHS boys soccer team is extremely significant and equally hard earned. 

In a pre-season interview, LAHS boys soccer head coach, Donovan Martinez, expressed how the team only had a few returning varsity starters and how the boys have a lot to learn and work to do. Moreover, Martinez also mentioned his players who play for MLS Next, and how this year, they have a record amount of MLS Next players.

“Every year we have a couple MLS Next Academy Club soccer players that attend the school and are NOT allowed to play for the HS varsity team because of CIF/club rules. This year we 13 players playing at the MLS Next club level that are not available to play with the HS varsity team this year,” said Martinez.

Yet, despite LAHS not having access to many talented players, the team still came together and worked to make a historical season. However, this work did not come easy. Losing many previous varsity starters is never easy for any team, as they are not only losing athletic skill but also leadership. Luckily, team captains Jacob Manning, Aidan Hernandez and Adrian Hernandez worked hard to bring their fellow Griffins together and create a determined and passionate team. 

“It took some time, a long time even to figure out but we were able to. It was one heck of a ride, but we came together when it mattered most and made history. I feel like us as a team played great as we didn’t play for ourselves, we played for each other, we created such a strong bond and brotherhood that is irreplaceable and I’ll forever be proud to have been part of this group,” said Aidan Hernandez (11), varsity goalie and team captain.

Although they faced uncertain odds upon entering the CIF playoffs, the Griffins remained undeterred and played with strong dedication every round to make it to the final championship. Thus, even though LAHS did not get to play in the final, they fought their way there fairly and relentlessly.

“The forfeit was something very unexpected and crazy to me … We as a team were more than ready to compete in the final, and it’s very unfortunate that we weren’t able to experience the CIF Final but at the end of the day, we didn’t have an easy route to the finals as it was tough,” said Hernandez.

Admittedly, the team was disappointed upon learning about Calabasas’ forfeit, but they are still extremely proud of how far they had come and all the challenges they faced and persevered through.

“Our team was very sad because we didn’t get to play in the final, but at the end of the day, we got a CIF ring, so it is what it is,” said midfielder, Nicholas Makieil, who scored the winning goal in overtime of the semifinals, sending the Griffins to the championship. 

Excitedly for LAHS boys soccer, their season continues to CIF-SS Division III regional playoffs. Coincidentally, the Griffins automatically advanced to the semifinals due to another forfeit by their opposing team, Bona Vista High School. Though no official statement was released, Bona Vista reportedly also had an ineligible player; but this time due to failure to meet minimum grade point average requirements to play on the team. Again, forfeit aside, LAHS remains eager to compete and continue to showcase their hard work on the field.

“I feel we are more than ready for state. We’ve already made it further than anyone expected us to be so we will go into each game with the mentality of realizing it could be our last and just leave everything out on the field,” said Hernandez.

Come out, wear blue and support boys varsity soccer, March 5 at 5 p.m. at LAHS John Barnes field as they take on Mt. Carmel High School.