Orange Lutheran boys soccer is coming off another historic season that saw the Lancers make championship game appearances in both the CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF State Regional tournaments.
 
Although OLu came up short in both matches, the program's legacy is established, and this year's roster is eager to make their own history.
 
While the roster may have graduated some key contributors, this younger team is both talented and experienced.
 
"I think it's going to be a learning year, but I think at the same time, in no way, shape or form, are we going to be less competitive or less hungry," says OLu boys soccer head coach Mike Oseguera. "There are a lot of unknowns, but at the same time, a lot of excitement."
 
The varsity squad will be led by returning senior goalkeeper Ayden Santana, along with fellow seniors AJ Campbell and Max Mengual, all of whom bring a significant amount of big game experience to the pitch.
 
Joining them are members of the junior class who were significant contributors last season, including Nathan Almanza, Jaycob Garcia, Max Hernandez, Enri Oseguera and Dylan Rodriguez.
 
Oseguera is also looking forward to seeing the sophomore players who will be making the jump up to the varsity roster.
 
"That was their whole goal in coming to Orange Lutheran," says Oseguera of the sophomore group. "They wanted to be really important players, and they're going to be very quickly. So I'm excited for their opportunities."
 
The Lancers will be playing in the always competitive SoCal Showcase hosted at Chapman University beginning December 27. OLu also has a slate of nonleague games against some tough opponents, including Mission Viejo (December 6), San Pasqual in San Diego (December 14) and Santa Ana (December 20). Trinity League matches begin January 3 when OLu travels to St. John Bosco.
 
The Lancers get started on December 4 with an away match versus San Clemente. With nearly 85 players across three teams, the program is seeing significant growth. Oseguera says the goal this year is to earn an auto bid to the CIF postseason with a top three Trinity League finish, and he feels the players' focus, determination and camaraderie will lead them to success.
 
"The energy and the vibe in the group is really great," says Oseguera. "They hang out together at school every day. They get along really well. A lot of them have known each other for a long time. They've grown up playing youth soccer together. So for them, it's a good, close, tight-knit group."