NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — With at least eight starters returning from last year’s Division III title team, big things were expected from the Willow School soccer program.
It’s safe to say the Lions are living up to those expectations, with a 21-0-4 record and top seed in this year’s playoff field.
“We have 17 seniors, 18 including a manager, and those guys, all of which returned from last year’s team. So, those guys have really kind of helped lead the way for us and kind of helped navigate these waters of having an undefeated season and having a number-one ranking,” said Willow School head soccer coach Ben Barcelona.
In the regular season, Willow posted wins over semifinal programs like Riverdale, Jesuit, and Ben Franklin with draws against Holy Cross and St Paul’s.
A schedule that’s prepared them well for postseason play, where they’ve outscored opponents 18-1 in their first three playoff games.
“Repeating is very difficult. We’ve never been able to do that and most teams have a very difficult time. So I think that once we started pulling all these wins together against really good teams, that they start to believe in themselves, that maybe, this could be done again,” said Barcelona.
The Willow School will face No. 4 Bossier Saturday in the Division III semi-finals, a rematch of last year’s championship game.
The Lions defeated Bossier, 4-1 for their second state title (2021&2023) under head coach Ben Barcelona.
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