LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. —  The Los Alamitos High School boys varsity soccer team entered the California Interscholastic Federation Division III playoffs with a 6-7 regular league record. Coming out of a tough regular season, the outlook of making it to the CIF playoffs looked uncertain to many on the team. However, the Griffins continued to play with resilience and determination and made it further than many had ever imagined. 

After winning the Division III CIF Southern Section title on Feb. 27, the Griffins moved on to the CIF State Championships. Entering the regional semifinals, the Griffins were eager to prove themselves on the field because their previous two wins had been due to forfeits. Subsequently, on March 5, LAHS beat Mt. Carmel High School 2-0 to advance to regional finals. Then, on March 7, Los Alamitos defeated Bishop Amat High School 2-1, bringing them to the CIF Division III State Final. 

Traveling all the way up to Natomas High School in Sacramento, LAHS set off to face the Watsonville Wildcatz on March 14. Fighting through an extremely tough game, it was junior midfielder Cooper Coleman who broke through and scored the game’s only goal. Maintaining a tight defense throughout the rest of the game, the Griffins pushed through to their final and greatest victory, winning the State Final 1-0. 

“The game was a team effort … Every single person contributed to this result and I am forever grateful. I love this team and can not wait for next year,” said Coleman. 

Coleman is one of many juniors who stepped up in the 2026 season after the team lost many talented starting seniors. 

“They were definitely not an easy team to beat, but we trusted each other and worked hard for the full game. We knew that hard work would beat their talent, and [when the] opportunity presented itself, our boy, Cooper Coleman #12, scored it. I loved every game and practice with this team and I am sad that it is over, but more happy that we handled business,” said Jacob Manning, senior team captain. 

It goes without saying that playing in the CIF State Final is not an easy task, meaning the Griffins had to face some of the fiercest competition within California Division III Soccer.

“Watsonville was different from all the teams we’ve played in the past. They controlled the ball and tempo really well, but we knew as long as we defended how we were taught, then we would get our goal eventually,” said Ethan Phung, a senior striker who assisted Coleman’s goal. 

“During the game we played with grit, determination and passion, winning our individual battles and playing with emotion throughout the game. As a team, we have so much love and care for one another (and) this sets us apart from any other team out there. This was a once-in-a-lifetime game, opportunity and experience we will never forget,” said senior midfielder Nicholas Makieil. 

With the LAHS boys varsity soccer team bringing home the State Title, their 2025-2026 season comes to a bittersweet end. The players are not only proud of their outstanding victories, but also of the strong team chemistry they built along the way. 

“We worked and practiced in the sun a lot to prepare for this and it was all worth it. I am super proud of the outcome of this team and can not wait for next year,” said Luke Kurata, a junior defender. 

“This team is everything. We stayed strong all 80 minutes of the game, and that is what led us to victory. This is a brotherhood,” said junior team captain, Aidan Hernandez.