The Life School Oak Cliff Varsity Boys Soccer Team led by Head Coach Chase Bishop came into the 2016 campaign with a huge target on their backs.
After finishing the 2015 season with a 23-1 record and losing only to the State Champions in San Elizario in the Regional Finals, the Lions knew this season was going to be a little more difficult. Knowing this, Coach Bishop beefed up his schedule this season getting in Kennedale’s “Regional Tournament Preview” as well as scheduling non-district games with Ferris, Carter, Argyle, Princeton, Kaufman and Midlothian. The team responded, working even harder and remaining undefeated in the regular season.
The Lions kept their undefeated season in tact until Saturday afternoon, April 9, losing in a heartbreaking shootout in a playoff game against Argyle 6-5.
“What makes this team special is that the team is put first and the guys play for each other. At the end of the day, nobody cares who or how many goals one guy scores, they just want to win on the scoreboard,” said Coach Bishop. “Our defense is outstanding and it sets up the offense and Goalkeeper Daniel Gonzalez is one of the best there is. He only allowed 14 goals in the regular season and is a huge part of the team’s success.”
This is only Life School’s second season competing in UIL Soccer but have proven they belong. Prior to Saturday, Life School was an amazing 44-1-2 in the last two seasons with the only loss coming last year 3-1 to San Elizario (2015 State Champs). The Lions outscored opponents in the regular season with 107 goals and only 14 goals allowed. The team has three of the state’s leading goal scorers: #10 Jorge Aguilar is 4th in the state with 32 goals while #2 Nate Hartman and #7 Jojo Rodriguez are tied for 15th with 21 goals apiece. No other team in the State has three players ranked in the Top 15.
“We’ve had great crowds at our game all year and we appreciate the support from our parents as well as our staff, student body and community members and organizations,” said Coach Bishop. “We would like to thank our executive team, administration, faculty and staff, parents, student body, band, cheer, and drill team for all of the support along the way and helping make this possible.”
About Life School
Life School opened as a public charter school in 1998 and has campuses in Oak Cliff, Mountain Creek, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Red Oak and Waxahachie. The Texas Education Agency awarded Life School its highest rating of Superior Achievement. Life School’s mission is to train leaders with life skills for the 21st century by establishing strong academics, character training and a parenting program. To learn more about Life School, visit www.lifeschools.net.