The COVID-19 shutdown had devastating effects on high school and collegiate athletics across the country. Complex state and national guidelines created seemingly insurmountable obstructions to athletic participation, canceling seasons and bringing athletic careers to early, unexpected ends without closure. However, some colleges and universities, following months of planning and scheduling in accordance with CDC and state pandemic guidelines, have managed to salvage some 2020-21 winter and spring seasons. Although not all institutions were as fortunate as others, we do want to take the time to recognize the Servite alumni that will be competing this spring.
Although traditionally a fall sport, many institutions were able to schedule abbreviated soccer seasons this spring. There are currently five Servite alumni competing at schools that will begin 2021 conference play this month.
Class of 2020 graduate David Mitzner will kick off his collegiate soccer career at the University of Portland this spring. He is coming off a remarkable senior season at Servite. As a goalkeeper, he was selected as the 2020 CIF-SS Player of the Year following three crucial penalty kick stops in the semifinal match to help the Friars advance to, and ultimately win, the 2020 CIF-SS Boys Soccer Championship against Loyola High School.
Brett Lux ’19 made an immediate impact for the Eagles upon his arrival at Concordia University, Irvine last year. He started all 17 games as a true freshman and remains a physical, reliable outside-back for the team. Now a sophomore for the Eagles, Lux tallied his first start of the 2021 season on February 3 in a 6-1 victory over Vanguard University and fellow Servite graduate, Marc Trejo ’18.
Servite Class of 2018 graduate Corbin Mercado is entering his junior season with the LMU Lions having played in 28 matches while tallying 13 starts as defender thus far. Mercado and the Lions will host fellow Servite graduate, Jose Sosa ’18, Friday, February 12 in their season opener. He will also face David Mitzner ’20 later in the season when the Lions travel to Portland on Sunday, March 14.
University of the Pacific recruit Jose Sosa ’18 excelled as a true freshman, appearing in 19 games and starting half of them. He was part of the starting XI for both of the Tiger’s NCAA Tournament games and ended the season ranked 2ndon the team for assists. Following his freshman year, he transferred to UCLA, but missed the 2019 season due to injury. Undeterred, Sosa excelled in the classroom, being named to the Director’s Honor Roll three consecutive quarters while undergoing rehabilitation, and made his debut on the pitch for UCLA in their 2021 season opener against USF earlier this week. Coming off the bench, Sosa played 50 minutes and tallied an assist in the Bruins 3-0 win over the Dons.
Another 2018 Servite graduate, Marc Trejo, has seen great success on the pitch for Vanguard University. In 2019, he recorded his second straight season with 4 assists in conference, and scored a game-sealing goal in the Lions opening match of the GSAC Tournament against Master’s University. He was selected to the 2019 GSAC All-Conference Team for his performance, and was a 2019 NAIA All-American Honorable Mention.
Best of luck to all our Servite soccer alumni as they take the pitch for their 2021 seasons!
