Last Friday afternoon, the ILS boys varsity soccer team defeated rival Ransom Everglades 1-0 to capture the 2019-2020 3A District 15 Championship.

Earlier in the week, ILS defeated the two-time defending state champions Palmer Trinity, 4-1, in the District Semi-Final game. The team went down early in that match 0-1, but then scored four unanswered goals to take home the win.

The first goal came from senior Miguel Valle who scored on a penalty kick to tie the game at 1-1. The next goal came from senior Marcello Aedo on a free kick outside the top of the box to put the Royals up 2-1. The third goal of the match was a beautiful running header by senior Kamani Turner to put ILS up 3-1. The game-sealing goal came from Aedo as he drilled a free kick low and away from the wall and keeper to ensure the victory for the Royal Lions! Sophomore Manuel Lopez played an incredible game in goal to help preserve the victory.

The district championship match was a far more defensive affair. The ILS team is built around defense this season, not necessarily the offense. And the district title was a defensive battle all match. Both teams exchanged opportunities to try and score. Sophomore Manuel Lopez kept the net clean all game long, despite Ransom’s eight corner kick set pieces.

The Royals Lions capitalized late in the game, after the ball struck the cross bar. It was rebounded by junior Samuel Rodriguez, who headed the ball in the back of the net, giving the team the 1-0 lead with 2 minutes to go in the match. Lopez remained strong in goal, securing the shut-out victory.

It’s the fourth-straight district championship for the boys varsity soccer program.

On Wednesday, ILS (4-3-7) hosts Westminster Christian (7-5-4) for the Regional quarterfinal match. The two teams did not face off during the season, but had many similar opponents. Westminster lost in the 3A District 15 semi-final to Ransom, 1-0. The match begins at 7:00PM in the Jungle!