The lights lit up the field, as each side of the stadium filled with people from both teams on Sat. Mar. 8. The San Dieguito Mustangs and the Southwest Raiders faced off for the Division 1 CIF Finals in boys soccer.

The crowds erupted with cheers as the boys jogged onto the field before the start of the game. This was the first time in many years that the Mustangs boys’ soccer had made it to CIF Finals. This year, it was especially exciting, for the Mustangs held a wild card position coming into the CIF playoffs, barely making it to the postseason.

According to Principal Tim Hornig and Athletic Director Doug Kamon, the way SDA sports have been going is very exciting. From the girls volleyball team, tennis, and the boys making the finals, SDA sports are growing.

“The teams are always asking and looking to see what they can do to get better,” said Kamon.

“Let’s go raiders, let’s go,” came from the large crowds as the whistle blew to start the game. “Mus- what! Mustangs!”

The first half was filled with the Mustangs taking many shots on goal, as the Raiders played defense the majority of the time. As the two-minute mark approached, the senior Tristan Norton took an amazing shot that ricocheted off the post, almost scoring just before halftime.

The second half started up with the Raiders scoring the first goal of the game. However, the Mustangs didn’t let that get them down. The boys returned that goal with a free kick scored by Norton.  And as the game dwindled down to the end, a save by keeper Yayo Olvera, junior, brought the game into overtime.

In overtime, the first team to score would claim the victory. The nerves masked by excitement came from the crowd as overtime began. The Raiders took the first shot on goal, but a great save by Olvera kept the Mustangs in the game.

Norton then had a shot on goal which missed just wide. The game continued on until a break away by the Raiders, which ended with them scoring the winning goal.

After the award ceremony ended, which included senior Raul Guzman receiving the sportsmanship award, the students and parents from SDA joined the boys on the field, congratulating them on a game well-played.