For the first time in 15 years, the Bellaire Varsity Men’s Soccer team claimed the District Champions title. The Cardinals secured their win by defeating rival Lamar High School in the final district game of the season on Tuesday, March 3.

“Lamar had won the last four district championships, and after missing all of last season from a knee injury, I didn’t want to waste this last season I had for Bellaire,” senior and forward Joshua Mathiesan said. “With us doing well all season long and being the team to beat, we knew if we went into the game with confidence we would end Lamar’s run on top.”

In preparation for the matchup, players followed their usual routine while team leaders kept everyone focused.

“We prepped like we normally do for games,” junior and central midfielder Charles Davies said. “We had a team meeting during lunch and a film review during sixth period before meeting on the bus at 6 p.m. Sayf Elkousy, Carlos Jasso, Coach Ramirez and all the other seniors did a great job of motivating and getting everyone dialed in for the game.”

The Cards previously beat Lamar 4-1, adding to the pressure by creating the expectation that the boys would beat them again.

“Personally, I was very nervous but also excited going into the game,” Davies said. “I knew we had to perform if we wanted the district championship, but being one game away from winning was a very exciting feeling. I didn’t focus on my nervousness and instead played with the goal of going all out and enjoying myself.”

Up until the end of the first half, the teams stayed tied 0-0, raising tensions all across the stadium. Davies became the first to put a number up on the scoreboard.

“It felt great,” Davies said. “We had been really close to scoring a couple times in the first half, but it was still a close game, so it was a relief to be able to go into halftime 1-0 up. Arturo Garcia had a great free kick and I was lucky enough to get on the rebound.”

Junior and central defender Samuel Hu contributed to the score, with an early goal in the second half. Bellaire was up 2-0.

“It was unexpected; I don’t really score much because I’m a defender,” Hu said. “It was really exciting, especially with so many people there watching.”

However, momentum shifted later in the second half, with Lamar tying the score 2-2.

“It was kind of a wake up call for the team,” senior and goalie David Luigi Camerlo said. “We got too comfortable with our lead, and now that they evened the score, we had to lock back in.”

With 15 minutes left in the second half, senior and midfielder Carlos Jasso scored, putting the Cards up 3-2.

“Man for man, we were a better team than Lamar, so we just had to stay mentally focused and outwork them, which is what we did,” Mathiesan said. “The fans also helped push us to the final whistle.”

Cheers and celebration erupted when the final seconds came to an end. This moment was extra special for the 15 seniors.

“With a team with a bunch of seniors and a disappointing season last year, we knew this was our last chance and we wanted to give it our all,” Camerlo said. “Winning the league means so much to me. I know that the team and I have put in a lot of effort for this, and since I joined the program, this was my biggest goal. After we won, you could see the emotion in every single one of our players and coaches.”

The district title isn’t the only thing different for the team this year. Former assistant coach Daniel Ramirez moved into the head coach position.

“This year, the new head coach, Coach Ramirez, has done a good job with having an overall plan when it comes to what we do in practice and the tactics in game,” Mathiesan said. “All of the players have bought into what he’s trying to do, which has brought success.”

The players have been able to form a special bond throughout the season, being able to put trust in their team as a unit.

“I think the reason we won the game was our willingness to work for each other,” Davies said. “Our entire roster has skill, but the reason we were able to win the game was because of our hard work. We all went out on that field ready to give our all for the guy next to us, and in the end, that led us to the win.”

This victory is a testament to the teams’ determination and purpose throughout the season.

“Winning district was a great parting gift for me as a senior, helping me end my soccer career with a sense of accomplishment,” senior defender and Captain Sayf Elkousy said. “We’re able to leave the team with confidence in their ability to win in future seasons and set a higher standard for the program.”

The Cards’ number one seed now sets them up for the beginning of their playoff run. Bellaire is scheduled to play Northbrook High School on Friday, March 20 in the first round of playoffs.

“Our overall goal is definitely to win state, but we’re focusing on winning one game at a time,” Elkousy said.

For more information, follow varsity boys soccer on instagram @bellaireboyssoccer and on MaxPreps.