NEDERLAND - The Nederland High School boys’ soccer team played Loveland Classical on October 15 in Nederland. It was the Nederland Panthers vs the Loveland Classical Lions and both cats were determined to fight to the end to win the game. 

The Lions scored first early in the game. Nederland freshman Julian Ralph answered back quickly with a goal for the Panthers. 

Both teams were fast and aggressive. The Panthers kicked the ball into the net two more times. Senior Jayden Abookire scored the second goal for the Panthers. Then, senior and team captain Maddox Gioia scored Nederland’s third goal. 

As the time ticked down the game did not slow down. The Lions scored twice and tied the game. With sweat dripping down their faces and muscles feeling the strain of an intense sport, the players on both sides continued to play a tight match and no more goals were scored. 

The Nederland Panthers now go on the road with an impressive record of 6-3-3. 

This being the last home game of the season, it is tradition at Nederland Middle-Senior High School to honor the seniors and their families at halftime. This season there are nine seniors on the boys’ soccer team. Most of them have been coached by their current coach, Luis Gonzalez, since he came to Nederland in 2018. 

Coach Gonzalez has watched them grow from middle schoolers to seniors in high school. Gonzalez thanked them for all their hard work and dedication to the sport and to the school. He is very proud of all of them. Gonzalez graciously thanked the parents for their support.

The passion he has for the sport of soccer, for the school, this team, and each player is heard in his words and seen in his actions. When the soccer season is over Coach Gonzalez will say goodbye to his nine seniors and he will remind them to not forget where they come from, and to say, “Remember, ‘I am Ned,’ and I am so proud of you!”