GALT, CA (MPG) - The ride of a lifetime has come to an end. The Liberty Ranch Hawks boys’ soccer team, fresh off its second consecutive CIF Section Championship, made history by advancing farther in the state playoffs than any Liberty Ranch team before them. Though the journey ended in the regional finals with a 3-1 loss to Del Mar, what these boys accomplished will be remembered in this community for generations.

Seeded first in the CIF State Division 4 tournament, the Hawks opened with a tense 1-0 victory over Orland, grinding out the result with the defensive discipline that had defined their championship season. The win set up a second-round clash against Aptos that had the entire community on the edge of their seats.

 

Freshman Evan Rangel maintains control with a high kick.

The Aptos game was nothing short of spectacular. The teams battled to a 2-2 tie through regulation, forcing overtime. With golden goal rules in effect – first team to score in 15 minutes wins – neither side could find the breakthrough. The match came down to penalty kicks, where Liberty Ranch’s goalkeeper rose to the occasion, stopping one more kick than his Aptos counterpart. The Hawks’ kickers were ice cold, burying every attempt, and Liberty Ranch advanced to the Northern California Regional Finals in dramatic fashion.

The regional final brought Del Mar to Liberty Ranch’s home field, and the challenge proved immense. Seeded third in Division 4, Del Mar had actually won the Division 3 Section Championship, bringing a level of quality that reflected its superior classification. The visitors came out sharp and clinical, scoring three goals before the Hawks could find their footing. Liberty Ranch battled back and managed one goal, but Del Mar’s early dominance proved too much to overcome. The final score of 3-1 made Del Mar the regional champions, and the Hawks received their plaque as regional finalists: a distinction no Liberty Ranch team had ever earned.

For the seniors, the final whistle carried the weight of finality. The last game of their high school careers had been played, and the emotions on the field were raw and real. But the legacy they leave behind is extraordinary.

 

Christian Maciel takes aim at the goal.

Head Coach Garett Arechiga gathered his team after the loss and delivered words that perfectly captured the magnitude of what these boys had accomplished.

“You guys gotta understand, gentlemen, the magnitude and the specialness of your season’s going to last forever,” Arechiga told his players. “They will always remember the 2025-26 Liberty Ranch Hawks, because number one, they got that section back to back, and number two, they got to a Northern California regional final – beyond the section – something nobody’s ever sniffed. It’s usually first round and done for us in our town. A lot of generations have tried to do what you guys did, and you guys were the ones to do it.”

Arechiga had special words for his departing seniors.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t give you more. But you guys got in that postseason and went on a run the town’s never seen.” He then turned his attention to the returning players.

 

Leyton Munoz is able to tap the ball into the goal and score.

“My juniors and sophomores, let this make us hungry next year. You guys have a special bunch coming, and gentlemen, my seniors, we definitely have a special bunch leaving us. I love you guys, and I wouldn’t change anything in the world about this year. Beyond proud, boys. Well done.”

Back-to-back section champions. Northern California regional finalists. A run the town had never seen.

The 2025-26 Liberty Ranch Hawks boys’ soccer team made history. Hold your heads high, gentlemen. This community couldn’t be prouder.

 

Assistant Principal Tony Lara hands the history-making plaque to Head Coach Garett Arechiga.