The Cypress High School boys varsity soccer team secured themselves a spot in the CIF quarterfinals for the first time since 1994. Although the season ended with a 3-5 loss to Hillcrest High School, the boys achieved a significant milestone.
Varsity player, Matthew Baldonado expressed his exhilaration after winning the first round of CIF against Downey High School, as it has been so long since the team went this far in the playoffs. “It was mainly exciting, nerve-racking, and thrilling throughout the whole season. But we were more focused on the game after winning the first round of CIF,” he said. Although his team experienced struggles including poor weather conditions, they pushed through regardless with a clear mindset of winning.
Varsity player, Peter Batsaras said, “Though it felt good redeeming ourselves this year, mostly everyone on the team felt we could have gone further. But overall, with this strong team, it was a good journey.” Batsaras chose to play soccer because it was something he loved and enjoyed. Soccer was not just a hobby for him; it was a part of his identity and what people recognized him for.
Varsity player, Raul Mora said, “I’m glad we were able to make a huge accomplishment in my last year, making it all the way to the quarter-finals. We tried to not get overconfident after winning a big game and remained humble as we prepared for the next game.” Mora enjoyed strengthening team bonding before games, when the team ate together, watched films together, and practiced together.
With an overall record of 7-11-3, the boys finished 3rd in the league and went all the way to the quarter-finals for Division 6 CIF. Coach Anton Jamir, a CHS alum, said, “As a former alumnus of Cypress and someone who played soccer myself, this achievement means a lot…it was a moment of realization that we had accomplished more than we originally expected at the start of the season.” Although there were challenges along the way the team managed to improve their playing style and develop a sense of strong trust in one another as a team. Through each match, they learned to rely on one another on and off the field. “You made history. That’s something special, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices each of you made. Coach Milton and I are incredibly proud of you, both individually and as a team,” he said.
JV player, Owen Treadway feels pretty good to be a part of this milestone, because he says, “Last year when I was in middle school, we won boys soccer there too. He never thought he’d be able to do it again, knowing Cypress had not won in a while. “And now we came here and it feels pretty nice.”
Freshman player, Brayden Piestrzeniewicz, found it satisfying and inspirational upon recognizing that they had advanced this far. “It set the standard for myself and for my other teammates too. They didn’t have the best year last season, but this season marks a significant change for everyone,” he said.
Although Cypress High School boys varsity soccer lost to Hillcrest High School on Feb. 18, 2025, they dedicated themselves to hours of practice and efforts to make this achievement possible. They will return next season, ready to dominate the field, and hopefully advance to the CIF once more.
