ALBUQUERQUE — One year after finishing as the Class 4A runner-up, the St. Pius X Sartans completed their redemption run on Saturday afternoon, defeating Albuquerque Academy 2-0 at the University of New Mexico Soccer Complex to win the 2025 Class 4A Boys Soccer State Championship.
The win delivered St. Pius X its 19th state title in program history, the second most in New Mexico boys soccer history behind Sandia Prep. The Sartans ended the season 19-1-3 overall, unbeaten in district play at 8-0, and riding a 16-match winning streak.
Sophomore Christopher Justus gave the Sartans the early lead with a goal in the first half. Senior Ethan Wright added a second goal a couple minutes later. The St. Pius X defense, anchored by goalkeeper Dominic Vollbrecht, secured the shutout against a Chargers offense that entered averaging more than three goals per game.
St. Pius X controlled the match from start to finish, maintaining steady possession and turning away every Academy scoring threat. The Sartans completed the postseason with wins over Chaparral (6-2) in the quarterfinals, Artesia (5-0) in the semifinals, and Albuquerque Academy (2-0) in the championship.
The Sartans’ 2025 season was one of the most dominant in recent program history. They outscored opponents 116-15, went 9-0 at home, and posted eight straight shutouts in district competition, outscoring league foes 69-0. Their only loss came early in September, a 3-2 defeat to Sandia, before closing the year unbeaten over their final 16 matches.
Under head coach A.J. Herrera, St. Pius X continued its long tradition of excellence with another championship banner. The Sartans again established themselves as one of New Mexico’s premier soccer programs, returning to the top of Class 4A.
Final Score: St. Pius X 2, Albuquerque Academy 0
Goals: Justus, Wright
Record: 19-1-3 overall, 8-0 district, 16-match winning streak
2025 Roster
Head Coach: A.J. Herrera
Assistant Coaches: Jason Maestas, Heber Rios, Alex Hernandez, Vince Aragon,
Players
0 – Dominic Vollbrecht, Jr., GK
1 – David Bunnell, Sr., GK
2 – Nico Certain, Fr., MF
3 – Adam Contreras, Jr., D
4 – Santi Muñoz, So., D
5 – Anthony Gustamantes, So., D
6 – Landon Mileshosky, Jr., D
7 – Mateo Certain, Sr., F
8 – Christopher Justus, So., D
10 – Diego Herrera, So., MF
11 – Ethan Wright, Sr., F
12 – Didier Herrera, Sr., MF
13 – Kenneth Calderon, Jr., MF
14 – Joaquin Aragon-Roybal, Jr., D
15 – Xavier Leyva, Fr., MF
16 – RJ Bacon, Jr., D
17 – Nico Reyes, Jr., F
18 – Chris Ross, Jr., D
19 – Jude Benavides, Jr., F
21 – Trent Yarbrough, So., F
22 – Hayden Toulouse, Jr., F
24 – Alex Lucero, Jr., MF
Team Managers:
Lucas Maestas (7th), Leo Patterson (Fr.), Eve Swabenbauer (Sr.)