A Goal That Defined a Season
The Millikan girls' soccer team made history in 2026, capturing their first CIF championship and securing a spot in the state semifinals, a milestone that had eluded the program for decades.
The defining moment arrived during the CIF‑SS Division 2 semifinals against Bonita, when AJ Aquino struck a spectacular goal in overtime after 80 minutes of deadlock. The strike, set up by a clever pass from Alexandra “Furby” Rios, sparked a wave of excitement across the stands.
Aquino later described how he blanked out for a split second, then zeroed in on placing the ball into the far corner of the net. Coach Tino Nunez recalled the surreal feeling of time slowing down as the play unfolded, underscoring the chemistry that had built throughout the season.
The Rams rode that momentum to a victory over Ayala, clinching the Division 2 title and cementing the campaign as the most successful in Millikan history. The win not only highlighted individual skill but also the collective confidence that propelled the team forward.
Looking ahead, the squad now prepares for the CIF State Division III semifinals, carrying the hopes of a community that has watched the program rise from obscurity to a benchmark of excellence.