Boys' soccer: After the first round, it was all gravy for Mater Dei
After missing the playoffs last year, not much was expected of Mater Dei this season -- especially after four of the team's starters opted to play in the US Development Academy instead of for the Monarchs.
Mater Dei not only qualified for the playoffs, but made it to the Southern Section Division I semifinals, where their season came to an end with a 2-1 loss to top-seeded Santa Margarita. After his team defeated Montebello Schurr, 3-2, in the first round, Mater Dei Coach Martin Stringer said that while last year's team had more talent and began the season ranked No. 1 in the country by StudentSports.com, this year's team has more heart.
"We certainly overachieved," Stringer said. The season showed "the mettle that these boys are made of. Like I said to you after the Schurr game, I think I'm the luckiest coach in CIF; Everything else was gravy."
Stringer, who's coached at Mater Dei for 19 years and has won five CIF titles, said he considers this year's team one of his best ever.
"They weren't supposed to do anything on paper and they superceded everyone's expectations," he said. "I count that as being one of my proudest, one of the most wonderful teams I've ever had the pleasure to be associated with."
-- Jaime Cardenas
