The Columbus School men’s soccer team is heading into its last Binationals tournament with a clear mission: defend their title and make their final season one to remember. For the senior-heavy team, this is their last shot at a major win together.

The Binationals tournament, a national competition featuring Colombia’s best high school teams, has always been a key goal for the Columbus players. With most of the team graduating this June, the pressure to perform is intense. They’re determined to bring home the trophy one last time and set an example for future players.

Senior forward Pablo Tobar spoke about the pressure to perform well in their final Binationals. The team knows many people expect them to continue last year’s success and bring back the trophy. With so much support, the players feel a strong responsibility to win.

“Obviously, because it is the last chance, you have a lot of pressure. A lot of people are expecting something from you and your team because it’s something that has succeeded in the past,” Pablo Tobar said.

Training has not been easy, with 6:00 a.m. practices pushing the team to stay consistent. For the seniors, sticking with these early practices is key to their preparation. Even when it’s hard, they keep showing up, knowing it’s their final season.

“One of the hardest aspects is staying consistent with training because we are training at 6:00 a.m. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated to wake up early,” Pablo Tobar said.

The players’ families have also felt the intensity of this last Binationals season. Parents like Federico Medina, who follows the team closely, are proud yet nostalgic. They know that, for many of these seniors, this is their final tournament together.

“It’s very exciting that Emilio is part of the team, though it’s a bit nostalgic to think this might be their last tournament together before graduation,” Federico Medina said.

Coach Urbano Mesa has worked hard to keep the team focused on each practice. Rather than dwelling on it being their last chance, he encourages them to enjoy every moment. Coach Mesa believes that staying grounded will make them stronger in the tournament.

“I’m handling the pressure as an opportunity for the players to focus on the present and give their best. Collective effort and dedication in each practice are what will help us build a memorable finish,” Urbano Mesa said.

While winning is important, Coach Mesa also reminds the team of the legacy they’re leaving. The players want to set an example for younger teammates who will play in future seasons. Coach Mesa hopes they understand the value of their dedication.

“As much as we want to win, it’s also about the legacy we leave for those who come after us,” Urbano Mesa said.