After a pressure-filled and strenuous season, boys varsity soccer will be returning to the state tournament at Morrison Stadium this week for the first time since 2014. Wi
th a 15-2 record, the Warriors will be taking on Kearney in the first round as the third seed for the tournament, behind Creighton Prep and Omaha South.

Although the team has not played Omaha South this season, Westside has defeated number one seed Creighton Prep 1-0. With this win on their shoulders, the Warriors are going into the state tournament with their heads held high. Sophomores Marvin Ramirez and Peter Novoa have high hopes for the team.

“We know that we’re capable of doing big things at state,” Ramirez said. “We’re just trying our best to win.”

With Novoa being one of three captains, a strong sense of leadership is apparent throughout the team. Despite a few injuries, the team is still at the top of their game.

“We’re practicing hard trying to get better every day,” Novoa said. “We know what we have to do to win and we know that we have to show up ready to play, so we’re just trying to prepare ourselves the best we can.”

The Warriors have had their eyes on the state tournament since the beginning of their season. After falling to Lincoln Southwest in the state championship two years ago, the team is looking to redeem themselves as the best, despite the competition.

“I don’t think we’re looking out for anyone,” Novoa said. “The other teams are looking out for us.”