The Valley Christian boys soccer team capped off an impressive regular season with an 8-4 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in regional play. Their strong performance earned them the seventh seed in the state tournament, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.

In the first round, the Trojans edged out Odyssey Institute 1-0 in a nail-biting home match. Sophomore Elijah Mims emerged as the hero, netting the game-winning goal with just three minutes left on the clock. The victory marked a significant milestone – it's the first time Valley Christian boys soccer has reached the quarterfinals since 2011.

Adding to their fortune, 15^th-seeded Pusch Ridge pulled off a stunning upset over the No. 2 seed, Northwest Christian. This unexpected result granted Valley Christian another home game for the quarterfinals, boosting their chances of advancing even further.

Should the Trojans triumph in the quarterfinals, they will face either Bourgade Catholic or Yuma Catholic in the semifinals, with the match hosted by the higher-seeded team. On the other side of the bracket, top-seeded rival Gilbert Christian advanced to the quarterfinals and appears to have a clear path to the championship. A potential title clash with Gilbert Christian offers the Trojans a golden opportunity for redemption.

Reflecting on the season, Mims shared, "It was a good season. I'm proud of the boys. We're looking forward to making quarterfinals, hopefully making semifinals. "

With momentum on their side and history within reach, Valley Christian is looking to turn the soccer field into a battleground, setting themselves up for a memorable postseason run.