The boys soccer team defeated Jurupa Hills 1-0 in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship to win the team’s first title in program history. Defender Sam Reiner ’25 scored the lone goal for the Wolverines early in the first half, with a rebound and putback off a throw-in into the box. The team’s defense, which only allowed a total of one goal throughout the entire tournament, proved crucial in the shutout win.

“For this group of guys and these coaches to get it done tonight, I’m so proud of them,” Head of Athletics Terry Barnum said. “I’m so happy for our program, for their families and our school. This was one of those that was hanging out there that we hadn’t got done yet.”

To start the match, the team used a high press with strikers Micah Rossen ’25 and Theo Ottoson ’25 against the Jurupa Hills back line. Creating effective pressure, the two strikers forced clears and bad passes to Wolverine midfielders, resulting in an advantage in possession over the Spartans.

As a result of the team’s strong ball control, they were able to generate several scoring opportunities. Right on cue at the 35 minute mark, a strong throw-in from Ottoson was headed by midfielder Roen Beiley ’25 into the box, which was deflected by the Jurupa Hills goalie right into the hands of Reiner. A point-blank strike with Reiner’s left foot would put the Wolverines up 1-0.

As the first half progressed, the Spartans’ offense came to life, generating corners and shots on goal of their own. However, the Wolverines’ defense held strong, clearing balls in the box and contesting passes effectively. 

The second half continued to be a defensive battle between the two teams, as the Wolverines continued to disrupt the Jurupa Hills attack. On the offensive side, the team was able to generate higher percentage shots than the Spartans, with their defense transitioning into offense. Rossen, Ottoson and striker Tyler Park ’25 each got breakaway opportunities and one-on-one attacks, but shots were either off-target or defended well.

Key defenders for the Wolverines included but were not limited to midfielder Kevin Chen ’25, midfielder Dominic Landes ’25, defender Jack Letterman ’25, midfielder JT Chen ’25 and Reiner. Rossen said the team has heavily relied on their defense to win close games during the playoffs.

“They have been our rocks,” Rossen said. “Jack came back from injury, Sam’s always been there, and Kevin’s been having a playoff of his life. I’ve played with Kevin for probably eight years, nine years, and he’s probably the best I’ve ever seen. They all played a huge part in our win.”

As the final buzzer sounded and the team had defended a final Jurupa Hills offensive in their own box, Rossen among other Wolverines fell to the pitch as teammates and coaches rushed to celebrate. Despite crucial losses early in the season to Loyola and St. Francis, Rossen said the team had dedicated all their effort to make a strong playoff run. 

“We had nothing to lose in our playoffs,” Rossen said. “We were just like, ‘You know what? Let’s give it our all.’ We have 12 seniors, and it was our last chance, and we knew that it was our opportunity to win a championship.”

Head Coach Michael Erush said it has been a lifelong goal of his to win a championship for a school in his hometown.

“Finally, I can say finally,” Erush said. “I grew up in Studio City and Sherman Oaks,and I always had a vision. If there was an opportunity, I wanted to get [the team] to make history.”