By Miramon Nuevo
Reisch Stadium at Aquinas High School was transformed into a theater of grit and grace on June 26 during a pulsating soccer rematch between the Priests and the Seminarians of the diocese.
In a contest defined by tactical discipline and high-octane surges, the seminarians successfully defended bragging rights earned with last year’s win, weathering a ferocious late-game comeback attempt by the priests to secure a hard-fought 3–2 victory.
An estimated 2,000 fans turned up for the second installment of this showcase of Catholic sportsmanship, with all proceeds benefiting Vocations ministry and the diocesan seminarian program.
Couple Alexandrea Abbott and Daniel Moore traveled 40 miles from Victorville through rush-hour traffic just to see their favorite pastors momentarily trade their priestly vestments for jerseys.
“We came to cheer for Fathers Jose Orozco, Javier Gonzalez-Cabrera, and Bryant Rivas,” Abbott exclaimed. “Seeing our pastors, our faithful spiritual guides, step onto the pitch for something so unusual and exhilarating filled us with joy.”
Jess and Corrie Duran, who were set to host a lunch party for their faith group the next day, carved out a three-hour break from their preparations to witness the epic showdown between mentors and their protégés—setting aside their usual duties to leave it all on the grass.
“Seeing them play was meaningful—faith in teamwork, courage, and heart—leaving us inspired and motivated. It also helped our spiritual growth and brought us closer to our faith community, reminding us that we’re stronger when we serve and cheer together,” Jess explained.
During a pre-game interview, Father Hau Vu, diocesan Director of Vocations, assured the media that his brother priests would be stronger than ever, fiercer and more relentless on the field than last year. “The only mercy the seminarians would get today will be in the Sacrament of Confession,” he quipped.
Seminarian Alan Guerrero, team captain, in turn vowed that his side would leave no stone unturned.
“The priests have no idea what we’re bringing onto the field tonight,” Guerrero declared. “But one thing’s certain: the fans are in for a night they won’t forget.”
The seminarians won the coin toss and elected to kick against the sun. By choosing to face the sun early, the seminarians intentionally took on the visual handicap first.
The game’s resident hype man, Julio Chavez, who is the diocesan Event Planner Coordinator, was responsible for keeping the crowd engaged throughout the event and referred to the seminarians’ decision as a “kind” gesture.
As the game unfolded, what began as a chess match of defensive positioning quickly escalated into a high-stakes duel.
Ruben Chavarria scored the first goal for the Seminarians. Utilizing his speed to control the first half, breaking into territory and deciding to take the shot himself, he successfully put the Seminarians up, 1-0 in the 14th minute.
Soon after, the priests mounted an attack that forced a superb save from Seminarians’ goalkeeper Joshua Doran. After slowing the pace of the match, Jacob Ponte capitalized on an offensive opportunity in the 16th minute to extend the Seminarians’ lead to 2–0. Ponte and seminarian Caesar Caldera were key in controlling the midfield and setting up the attacks.
The highlight of the evening came at the 22-minute mark when Bishop Alberto Rojas stepped to the spot and scored the first goal for the priests following a foul committed by seminarian Guerrero against Father Octavio Cortez, which forced the referee to issue a yellow card. Guerrero immediately apologized to Fr. Cortez for the incident.
When Bishop Rojas entered the match, the bleachers exploded into cheers. The officials wheeled out a special raffle ball and set it precisely for the penalty kick. Bishop Rojas stepped forward, took a moment to evaluate the ball—making sure it was properly kickable—then delivered the shot with measured confidence. The ball struck the center of the net with clinical precision, putting the clergy on the board and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“I knew the moment he stepped onto the pitch that something was different,” observed Dr. Gervacio Posadas, a resident oncologist at the City of Hope and a parishioner of Saint Oscar Romero Church in Eastvale who attended the match with his family. “There was no panic in him—just quiet, focused joy,”
Following a giveaway by the Priests, seminarian Anthony Gutierrez broke through the back line and found the back of the net at the 45-minute mark, securing the 3-1 lead for the Seminarians.
There were several “close but no cigar” moments throughout the match where teams narrowly missed scoring opportunities: seminarian Gutierrez had a narrow miss after a skillful nutmeg cross by seminarian Declan Osueke. Seminarian Jose Fabian Hernandez executed an impressive “dolphin dive” header into the net, but was called offside, nullifying what would have been a spectacular play.
On the clergy side, Father Thomas Davis of The Holy Name of Jesus Church in Redlands was consistently praised for his staunch defensive effort and for clearing the ball throughout the game; Father Juan Sandoval of St. Christopher Church in Moreno Valley demonstrated excellent skill as the goalkeeper, making critical saves that kept the priests in contention; Father Arinze Ezeoke of Christ The Redeemer Parish and St. Junipero Serra House of Formation in Grand Terrace, was frequently highlighted for his strong defensive play and impressive clears that pushed the ball deep into the seminarians’ territory; Father Gonzales, noted for his versatility and aerial ability in the midfield, including a “levitating” header to clear the ball; and Fr. Cortez of St. Patrick Church in Moreno Valley was recognized for his work in the midfield and his successful conversion of a penalty kick during the post-match competition.
With about 12 minutes remaining in the match, recently ordained Father Larry Curtis of Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino scored a goal to bring the priests within one point.
Despite the Priests’ relentless late-match siege—spearheaded by the tireless energy of Fr. Curtis and Father Uche Onyekwelu of St. Paul the Apostle church in Chino Hills—the seminarian-backed line held firm against the pressure.
After the match, both teams took part in a friendly penalty shootout. Five priests and five seminarians participated, and the priests won the shootout. Fr. Cortez scored the first penalty for the priests, tying the game at 1–1. Fr. Ezeoke then scored to extend the priests’ lead to 3–1.
The event concluded with the distribution of remaining prizes, including LA Galaxy tickets, Women’s Major League Soccer tickets, and Disneyland tickets.
Beyond the final score, the event served as a testament to the enduring camaraderie of the faith community, drawing fans together to champion the formation of the next generation of leadership in an electric, unforgettable atmosphere.
Miramon Nuevo is a freelance writer and a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, Montclair. A retired sports columnist and boxing analyst, he now lives with his wife, Justine, and three children in Fontana.