Playing a team you previously lost 3-1 to doesn’t really put you in the most hopeful position. Clearly the underdogs, the Archbishop Mitty men’s soccer team went into the last game of their regular season against Bellarmine more determined than ever to prove themselves. This was their last chance to get into a Division 1 playoff spot, meaning that this game against Bellarmine would give the fighting Monarchs a shot at a coveted CCS title. An intense 90-minute game with impressive performances from both teams ended in a 2-1 win for Mitty—just what they needed to continue to CCS. 

The team has been through a roller coaster of a season. They opened strong with back-to-back wins against Carlmont (2-0) and Piedmont (3-1), followed by impressive 7-1 wins over Watsonville and Valley Christian. However, they followed this winning streak with a disastrous 5-0 loss to Junipero Serra and tough draws to Archbishop Riordan and Saint Ignatius.

Captain Samuel Feezor has been a cornerstone of the team this season. “He’s the heart of our team” says Milind, “he embodies the optimism in our team.” PONO, standing for “Pride, Optimism, Nobility, and Ohana,” is the mantra the team follows. Feezor’s hopeful and determined attitude in challenging situations made him the unanimous pick to be the face of optimism for the team. 

According to Feezor, this year has taught him “the value of strong leadership. Leaders often set the tone of the team, and therefore it’s important that I am able to maintain a strong mindset, especially when it comes to balancing having fun and working hard.”

He added, “To me, this team is special because, in many ways, it feels as though it’s my team. Although we had a very strong team last year that I really enjoyed being a part of, this year, I feel as though I have a lot more responsibility and a lot more influence as a senior captain. It’s also special because last year, I played very few minutes, but this year, I have managed to consistently work myself into the starting lineup.”

Sharing his drive and passion is sophomore Diego Hernandez, one of the younger talents on the team. Diego shared his goals for the 2025 season; “I really want to win NorCal, grow as a player, and bring more pride to our team.”

Since Diego joined the team he has been welcomed as part of the family, sharing that “It feels like everyone else is one of my older brothers, and it feels good to know they care about m.” Diego’s ambitions reflect the team’s desire to have a succesful season and set the tone for next season.

Junior goalkeeper Joseph Gremett focuses on improving his skills in the 2025 season. “My goal is to work on my skills and get more game experience by focusing on my footwork,” he explained. When his teammates are out having fun after practice, Joseph often stays back to work on his footwork and ball handling. Ultimately, his goal is to improve his skills and eventually play in a center back position, which has a more creative and commanding role on field. Asked why, he explains,“It’s a position similar to goalie but with less pressure to prevent every goal.” 

This past Saturday, the Monarchs took on the second seat Mountain View High School. Having just ruined Bellarmine’s perfect season, one that allowed the Monarchs confidence to be sky high. It was expected to be a tough game for Mountain View. 0-0 at half, and a nervy following 40 minutes later, the score stood 0-0 at full time. In overtime, a corner routine that the monarchs have been working on in practice finally came to the forefront, as Junior Isaac Castilo hit a shot into the upper corner of the goal to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead. With 15 minutes left in the match, Mountain View desperately needed a goal. Their chance came in the dying embers of the match, when they scored in the last minute of overtime, forcing a penalty shootout.

The last time the Monarchs were in a Penalty shootout, they beat Saint Francis 4-3, in the CCS finals. This time around, with 2 saves by the Monarch keeper Lars Neunfinger it seemed as if they were going to do it again.

Unfortunately for the Monarchs, having rode their luck for the whole season, it was bound to run out. The Monarchs narrowly lost the penalty shootout, and with it, their season ended. Reflecting on the season after their heartbreaking loss, senior Milind Manikkar said, “It has been a fun ride, one that has allowed me to not only develop as a player, but more importantly as a person. I have made connections that in 20 years time will still hold strong. I love this group and I am so grateful to have this chance to play alongside them. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the coaches and everyone part of this program, it is something that will hold a place in my heart for the rest of my life.” Next year the Monarchs look to challenge again.

Now a year separated from arguably the best men’s soccer team in school history, there are big shoes to fill. The question is, who and how will they fill it?