Three days after beating the number one seed in the California Community College Athletic Association NorCal Playoffs, the Hawks suddenly became the favorites for the state tournament. However, the Hawks found themselves to be knocked out.
The Hawks’ men’s soccer team’s historic playoff run ended Tuesday afternoon in a third-round matchup with the Merced Blue Devils. It is the furthest the Hawks have gone in the history of the men’s soccer program, etching their names in the LPC history books. This deep playoff run also makes LPC an attractive destination for many incoming freshman athletes for years to come.
Despite the history, the loss stings. The team hoped for an even greater run, pushing towards their first-ever state tournament berth. But with a heartbreaking loss, so comes learning opportunities for the future.
“As much as we’re heartbroken about this situation and this loss, we know to keep our heads up,” Saul Tecle, freshman forward, said. “There is more to come.”
The playoffs couldn’t have started much better for the Hawks. They traveled to San Joaquin to play the Mustangs, beating them down 5-1. Then, they took their bus to face the number one seed, Evergreen Valley, before shutting them out 2-0. The upset led to them moving from their underdog role to a potential favorite to win the NorCal state championship.
But on Tuesday, they looked like a different team from the one to knock off the number one seed. They allowed three goals against the Blue Devils while only giving up one combined in their two previous playoff matches.
Being on the road wasn’t the problem for the Hawks. Coming into the contest, they held an impressive 9-1-2 record, including their two road playoff wins. If anything, the group looked forward to playing in front of loud and intense crowds.
Coming into the game against the Blue Devils, the Hawks were still soaring high from beating the number one seed. Along with their confidence, the Hawks studied their succeeding opponent, watching game film and assessing Merced’s style of play.
They looked for their potential weakness to target to their advantage. However, that plan didn’t come to fruition.
“We anticipated them to have a weak point like every other team,” Tecle said. “But (Merced) were really good all around, and I think this played a major factor in the final score.”
Just four minutes into the start of the match, the Blue Devils scored a goal against the Hawks’ seemingly dominant playoff defense. They had allowed only one goal in their two previous playoff matches.
Following the quick goal, the tempo reverted back to the intensity assumed of a playoff match. Both teams struggled to find their footing, the physicality leading to minimal goal-scoring chances.
In the second half, the Hawks playoff hero rose to the occasion once again. Freshman midfielder Frank Hinostraza, who scored both of the Hawks goals in their 2-0 defeat over Evergreen, found the net for the fourth time in the postseason. It came within the first five minutes of the half, tying the game at 1-1.
The goal was short-lived. Just ten minutes after the equalizer, the Blue Devils scored again. The Blue Devils’ offense became too much for the Hawks’ defense to handle, leading them to controlling much of the second half. With ten minutes to go in the match, the Blue Devils sealed the victory, ultimately winning 3-1.
The Hawks were defeated by the Merced Blue Devils in the third round of the 3C2A NorCal regional playoffs on Tuesday Nov. 26 at UC Merced’s Bobcat Field. The third round is the furthest the program has gone in their history. (Photo by Justin Gomes/The Express)
The Blue Devils capitalized on passing, providing assists to players and opening opportunities to score a goal. They delivered with execution, making them a formidable opponent.
A team like Merced couldn’t have been underestimated, a former match the Hawks faced just two months prior ended in a 1-1 tie. Both teams similar to the prior matchup, saw both sides struggling to get the offense going. The win would come to the team whose offense would capitalize on any defensive miscues..The Blue Devils showed up, played their game and were able to walk away with a win, sending the Hawks to an earlier offseason than they would have liked.
“Our sophomores and our freshmen this year did a good job of setting a bar higher than it has been before, by getting through (to) the third round,” Assistant Coach, Cristian Barbontin-Jimenez said. “Expectations are higher for the freshmen coming in and for the sophomores that are going to (return) next year. I think it made us realize we are able to compete with everyone.”
Despite the ending not being what the Hawks had hoped for, this was a season of progress. Never before had they reached these heights. Now, with a taste of the third round of the NorCal playoffs, they are even hungrier for higher peaks.
Top photo: Freshman midfielder, Arteen Arianmanesh (No. 21) taking the ball up the field against the Merced Blue Devils. Arianmanesh assisted Frank Hinostroza (No. 10) in a pass which scored the Hawks first and only goal of the game. (Photo by Justin Gomes/The Express)
Luke Vavuris is the Photography Editor and a Staff Writer for The Express. Follow him on X, formally Twitter, @Luke5068.
