Beginning as a few Loyola students, kicking a soccer ball around the Res Quad, Loyola’s Fútbol Club has come a long way.
Now, with 20 players, an executive board, two coaches, a full media team, and jerseys,the club’s next goal is to continue to move up in the ranks.
“I think we are heading in the right direction, slowly but surely the interest in soccer is increasing at our school and it helps that we have many individuals who are able to put forth their best effort for the well being of our team,” player Chris Herrera said.
The soccer club currently competes in the Southern Louisiana Adult Soccer Association in Division III. This season, the team is currently ranked No. 1, going undefeated for five games straight.
The team is currently being coached by campus ministers Hunter Darrouzet and Jacob DeRusha.
Co-presidents Hector N. Garcia and Victor Griego work alongside the executive board which is made up of vice president Alejandro Garcia, treasurer Carlos Villalobos, secretary Andre Hoyuela, and event coordinator Jonathan Presson.
“My favorite part of Loyno FC is the amount of love each team member has for the beautiful game. We have learned to become a family in these few months and it has shown in our games, where we are undefeated in this season,” Villalobos said.
The team has also had two scrimmages against Tulane’s soccer club this season, losing the first 3-0, but coming back on Monday with a 3-2 win under the lights of Yulman Stadium.
“We just took a W against Tulane after a hard fight, but we have proved that we can work just as hard as any other college team out there,” Griego said.
According to Presson, the team has faced many challenges in getting the club off the ground, including a lack of places to practice and a lack of resources.
“Despite all of the challenges we’ve overcome, we’ve built a strong team,” he said. “I think this shows the Loyola way, showing that with scrappiness, heart, and determination, anything is achievable to create a strong team that is proud to call each other family.”
The team currently has five games left in the SELASA league for this season and will face off against the Gamblers on Sunday at 8 a.m. at Lafreniere Park on field three.
