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The success of the Cyprus boys' soccer team became one of surprise stories this season, as the Pirates nearly went from worst to first, finishing with an overall record of 10-5 and tied for second place in Region 2.

Cyprus not only broke a long chain of losing seasons, but for the first time in more than a decade the school earned a rare berth into the postseason.

According to Cyprus coach Jason DeHerrera, it's been 14 years since the program has qualified for the state soccer tournament. So getting there this year was a remarkable accomplishment, considering the program failed to win or tie a match from 2006 to 2008.

Last season, the Pirates won just four games and finished at the bottom of Region 2. Leading scorer Nick Morelos transferred to West High School and forward Andy Rodriguez left the squad after being benched for a game for disciplinary reasons.

Rodriguez returned to the team this season and brought with him a renewed sense of commitment and a big-time scoring punch. The Cyprus forward said he returned with the aim of helping his teammates become better.

"I just expected to be a contributor, kind of like a Rajon Rondo," said Rodriguez, who led Class 5A in scoring with 23 goals. "I just do whatever it takes to win. If it takes me scoring three goals every game, I'll do it, but I don't like to. I like to distribute the ball and make everyone play."

In the season finale against Cottonwood, Rodriguez scored three goals — his third hat trick of the season — and the Pirates hung on to defeat their region foe 5-4.

The win moved Cyprus into a second-place tie with Cottonwood.

Being part of a playoff team has meant a lot to the senior, and he was proud of how his teammates rose to the challenge.

"We actually stepped it up this season," Rodriguez said. "We showed everyone that we know how to play and we can play with anyone in the state."

DeHerrera, who was an assistant coach last season, noted that while Rodriguez still has room to grow, he excelled in his role as a team leader.

"He wanted to come into [the season] ready to play," DeHerrera said. "He was committed from the time he stepped on the field that no matter what, he was going to put forth an effort. He knows what to expect from me. He knows where the lines are and where he can and can't cross."

Cyprus started the season 6-0 and developed a great one-two scoring punch with Rodriguez and senior Marlo Matamoros. The forward tandem scored 37 of the Pirates' 46 goals this season.

And though Rodriguez had the gaudy numbers and proved himself as a team captain, his coach believes the team's true success was measured by its ability to finish what it started.

Midseason losses to Skyline, Hunter and Cottonwood could have derailed the Pirates' historic run, but they battled back to win four of their past five matches and qualify for state.

"We had to refocus and figure out some motivation to want to compete," said DeHerrera, who hopes the bar has been raised for next season.

"I think it'll pay off a lot. We have a really young team, so they don't know the past history of Cyprus. They see it as good motivation." —

Cyprus boys soccer

The team ended a 14-year playoff drought with a second-place finish in Region 2 and a 10-5 record.

Senior midfielder Andy Rodriguez quit the team in 2010, but he returned this year to lead Class 5A in scoring with 23 goals.

The Pirates' season finale with Cottonwood was played in the football stadium and under the lights. Cyprus coach Jason DeHerrera said the team plans to play more night games next season.