Members of the Montgomery College Raptors men’s soccer team cheered for joy and despair as France beat Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup semifinals Wednesday. France will face Argentina in the finals Sunday morning.
During finals week, some team members took time to gather with other students to cheer, although most rooted for teams no longer in the competition.
As the game progressed, some of the students talked about how maybe, just maybe, someday they will play the game they love on the world stage for their country.
Coach Pedro Braz praised the athletes, noting that they came from many different countries and spoke different languages but still managed to unite as a team as the season progressed. Thirteen of the 28 players graduated from high schools in the D.C. area. The others came from nine countries across five continents.
The Raptors had a great year, going 14-3 in regular play and then winning the NJCAA Region XX Championship and the NJCCA East District playoffs. Their success sent them to the NJCAA Di National Championship series.
In his six seasons at Montgomery College, Braz has an overall record of 94 wins, 24 losses and three ties. He has the highest winning percentage in Montgomery College men’s soccer coach history at 80%.
Students a Montgomery College react to an almost goal at today's World Cup semifinals @mymcmedia @montgomerycoll pic.twitter.com/DZiJ0OLM4K
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) December 14, 2022
