LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – The Live Oak Lions boys varsity soccer team has shown no mercy to their opponents on the field this season.

After advancing to the regional semifinals of the CIF NorCal Boys Soccer Championships last season, the team has returned strong for the 2022-2023 season boasting six returning starters. Their overall record is currently 6-0-2. In the soccer world, that means the team is currently undefeated, with its only blemishes being two ties.

The Lions recently played at Gridley High School against their rivals, the Bulldogs, on December 13. Live Oak shut out Gridley and won 3-0. The Lions put points on the board early in the first half with a goal made by junior Esteban Alvarado, assisted by junior Oscar Hernandez.

Live Oak continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with its second goal, this time by senior Javier Medina, who was assisted by junior Kairo Machucca. At halftime, Live Oak was up two, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless.

During the second half of the game, Live Oak gained leverage in the form of a penalty kick. Gridley blocked the attempt to score but just seconds later, the Lions received another chance to score. Senior Joseph Hang lined up to take the penalty kick against Gridley and was able to secure the third goal of the match, clinching the win.

“Our goal for this year is to get the No. 1 seed for [the] Division II playoffs,” said Live Oak coach Luis Cibrian. “Live Oak has never received the No. 1 seed in school history. We want that to change this year. We want to host playoffs every round this year!”

After crushing Gridley, the Lions moved on to play the Hamilton Braves on December 15, who they defeated 3-1. After eight games played so far, Live Oak has outscored their opponents 31-5.

The Lions’ 2022 schedule has wrapped up. Live Oak plays next on January 3 on the road at Pleasant Valley of Chico with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.