LFA Junior Varsity Boys Soccer made its mark on the 2024 season, finishing with an undefeated record and claiming the Independent School League (ISL) championship. With new coaches Filipp Velgach and Isaias Cairampoma at the helm, the team delivered a dominant performance all year, winning most games by comfortable margins and having fun while doing so. 

Velgach and Cairampoma implemented effective strategic approaches to the game and emphasized teamwork, which were both instrumental to the team’s success. Their leadership helped create a collaborative and disciplined environment. “Coaches kept us focused but made sure we had fun with it too,” Vivek Jagota 28’ said. The coaches prepared each practice with a specific focus in mind based on the team’s needs, ultimately leading to in-game success. 

The team only trailed once across the entire season (they went down 3-2 to Northridge Prep at one point), but they showed their resilience as they ended up winning the game 5-3 and kept their perfect season alive. Caesar Gerlach 27’, the team’s top goal-scorer, led the charge; his skills and consistency provided a crucial edge to the team throughout the year. “He [Gerlach] makes scoring look easy, and he already seems to be in the right spot at the right time,” Jagota stated. The team’s mix of veteran and younger players alike made for the perfect combination of a fresh mindset and experience.

The team’s chemistry was evident both on and off the field. While they weren’t perfect, the team’s trust in one another meant that they’d have each other’s backs and shake off any mistakes that were made.

With the ISL title secured and a spotless and historical season in the books, LFA’s soccer program looks poised for more success in the future. Under the guidance of Velgach and Cairampoma, the team is well-positioned to continue leaving its mark on LFA athletics.