The Pirates took down Lake Dallas on April 9 to secure their first State Title in program history.

WACO, Texas — The La Vega boys soccer team made program history Thursday, defeating Lake Dallas 1-0 to claim its first state championship.

After a scoreless first half filled with scoring chances on both sides, the Pirates broke through less than four minutes into the second half. Sophomore forward Angel Cervantes Calvillo found the back of the net off an assist from Devani, giving La Vega the only goal it would need.

Lake Dallas responded with a flurry of shots down the stretch, but La Vega’s goalkeeper delivered a series of clutch saves to preserve the shutout and secure the title.

Cervantes Calvillo’s game-winning goal also earned him MVP honors.

“Uh, it’s crazy, to be honest. I didn’t think I’d get it,” Cervantes Calvillo said. “I thought it was gonna be my teammate Ramiro, #10. He’s a beast. I know he’s gonna make it far. And yeah, it just feels amazing to get MVP.”

For head coach Manny Gibson, the championship marks a fitting end to his tenure leading the program. Gibson is set to step down after the season to take over La Vega’s baseball program.

“It’s incredible… it’s been such a long journey with these guys,” Gibson said. “I’ve asked so much of them time and time again… We push them as hard as we can, so for them to get the results that came today, I’m excited because it shows what you can do if you sacrifice and commit to doing something bigger and better.”

Gibson also praised Cervantes Calvillo’s decisive moment.

“That was pretty incredible,” Gibson said. “Angel’s a special player… when he got that ball, I kind of thought it was gonna be. He just does special things in special moments.”

The Pirates’ title run carries added significance as it caps Gibson’s final season with the group he helped build.

“That was in my head. We gotta win this because it’s his last year,” Cervantes Calvillo said. “We gave it all for the team.”

With the victory, La Vega cements its place in program history, bringing home its first-ever state championship.