The ball never seemed fully under control.
Rolling from a throw-in to a backheel and into open space until it reached Jesus “Chuy” Lua’s feet.
In one motion, he pushed forward, made a shot fake that froze the defender, and then drove a strike past the keeper, turning a chaotic buildup into a composed finish that capped his breakout performance.
His third goal that day.
Jesus “Chuy” Lua has joined the Las Positas men’s soccer squad in the spring of 2026, taking the spotlight in their offseason scrimmages. On March 27, the Hawks hosted two back-to-back games on their home turf against Lincoln University, followed by Livermore Fusion soccer club, where the five-foot-nine, 215-pound attacking midfielder scored three goals across both games.
His presence on the field was prominent, giving a glimpse into what the upcoming fall season could look like for the Hawks: a dangerous attacking threat leading the line. Barring any late decision changes, Lua is set to become the new focal point of the Hawks’ offense.
“He’s super committed,” Head coach Andrew Cumbo said. “I’m happy for him. All the hard work that he’s done off the field paid off.”
Following the 2025 season, the Hawks lost all three of their captains: forward Arteen Arainmanesh, midfielder Angel Rondan, and goalkeeper Sahib Sandhu. Rondan and Arainmanesh have hung up their cleats, while Sandhu will make his debut at Chico State University, where he recently committed. With many new faces joining the roster this spring, the coaching staff is on the lookout for who could fill those spots this fall.
The first goal came off a pass from the center that bounced between defenders—Lua ran onto it and scored, and the sideline cheers made it feel special as his first goal, he stated. The second goal came from a pass by Hadi Jaber. Lua dribbled past two defenders, made a cutback, and slotted the ball into the left corner of an open goal. He celebrated, enjoying the excitement of the moment.
The third goal came late in the second match, built through a quick sequence that highlighted both awareness and composure. Off a throw-in, the ball found its way onto Lua’s path. Lua took a touch forward, sold a shot fake to freeze the defender, then drove a powerful strike toward goal that beat the keeper and found the net — sealing his hat trick across the two games.
“It felt really good,” Lua said. “I mean, to score a goal in both games is a really big thing.”
For Lua, performances like these are the result of a deliberate decision to bet on himself. After choosing the community college route, he’s embraced the challenge of proving he can compete at a higher level.
“Soccer was my main sport,” Lua said. “So I dropped and I came to community college and took my chance to see if I can go to a higher level here.”
That mindset has translated into his day-to-day approach. Coaches and teammates have quickly taken notice of his work ethic and willingness to improve, something that’s helped him adjust seamlessly into the Hawks’ system.
“Here, they pushed me to be the best I can,” Lua said. “I just feel like, as a player, that’s what I need to go to the next level. Coach Cumbo has really pushed me, and Coach CJ especially, and my teammates, too. It’s just a better environment to be here.”
The transition has been about finding his place within a restructured squad. With new players stepping into key roles, Lua has begun to establish himself as a central figure in the team’s attacking identity.
As the Hawks continue their spring games, Lua’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. With leadership roles up for grabs and a new-look roster still taking shape, his combination of physicality, skill, and confidence offers a foundation the team can build around heading into the fall.
“I’m planning on staying for the spring and then the fall,” Lua said “If I get any offers… we’ll see how that plays [out].”
If his recent performances are any indication, those opportunities may not be far off.
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TOP PHOTO: Las Positas Hawks forward Jesus Lua Amaya (22) breaks through the defense of Lincoln University’s forward Akezhan Mergenbayev (21) and defense Dwight Brown (19) during the final half of the game at the LPC soccer field on Mar. 27, 2026. (Photo by Annie Moore/The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJosAnnie.
