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Bears lose to LASA in fourth round of playoffs
HUTTO — The Bears’ soccer season ended with a loss March 31, but not before Bastrop set a new benchmark with its deepest playoff run in program history.
Bastrop fell 4-0 to Liberal Arts and Science Academy at Hutto High School in the fourth round of the playoffs. The Raptors’ athleticism and pace were on full display, making it difficult for the Bears to produce clean looks on goal.
“LASA is a very talented team,” Bastrop head coach Greg Vuagniaux said. “We have either lost or tied for the past two seasons.”
Despite the loss, Bastrop’s playoff run marked a milestone for the program, which had never advanced past the third round.
Vuagniaux credited the team’s competitiveness and chemistry for the breakthrough season. “This team is full of strong competitors — they don’t like to lose,” he said. “They love the game of soccer, and they love each other. When you have that mix, it makes for some really great soccer.”
LASA took control early, finding the back of the net on a 30yard free kick just two minutes into the match. The Raptors added two more goals before halftime, extended their lead in the second and maintained control throughout in their shutout win.
Windy conditions played a significant role throughout the game, impacting both teams’ ability to control the ball. However, Bastrop appeared to struggle more with the elements, as several possessions were disrupted by errant passes and misplayed kicks.
The Bears created a few scoring opportunities in the first half. Angel Chavez nearly broke through on a one-on-one breakaway, but his early shot attempt sailed off target, keeping Bastrop off the scoreboard.
Vuagniaux, who completed his second season as head coach, now has five total playoff wins at Bastrop. He said the program’s goal is to extend its season as deep into the spring as possible.
“It’s definitely an accomplishment for the program, however … our end goal is to make it to April,” he said.
Bastrop will graduate 11 seniors but returns top scorers in Angel Chavez, Anthony Reyes, Franklin Martinez and freshman keeper Gavin Meraz.
With a historic run and a core group returning, the Bears enter next season with momentum and rising expectations.
“They love the game of soccer, and they love each other.”
— Greg Vuagniaux, Bastrop head coach
