Update 1:40 p.m. March 14, 2026: Garfield High loss 2-0 to the Branson School in the CIF Division V state final.
The Garfield High School boys’ soccer team is making history as the first Los Angeles City Section school to play for a soccer state championship.
The Bulldogs will play The Branson School of Ross on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Natomas High School in Sacramento in the CIF Division V state final.
This is the first year the California Interscholastic Federation has held state championships for soccer. In previous seasons, teams competed only through regional finals.
Garfield advanced after winning the CIF Southern Regional Division V title, defeating Taft Union High School of Bakersfield 1-0 in the regional championship on March 7.
Earlier in the season, the Bulldogs won the CIF LA City Section Division II title, beating Canoga Park High School in a penalty shootout after a scoreless game. It was the team’s seventh city section championship and its first since 2020.
It’s also been a strong season for Garfield’s Eastside rival, Roosevelt High School, which won the CIF LA City Section Division IV title in February, before losing in the first round of regional playoffs.
Garfield Coach Pablo Serrano said the team is proud to represent East LA.
“It’s a great feeling and a proud moment for these boys,” said Serrano. “Playing for a state championship, never in my life would I have thought I’d be doing this.”
After the March 7 game, Garfield Principal Regina Marquez-Martinez congratulated the team on the field.
“You are leaving a legacy. This is history for Garfield,” Marquez-Martinez said.
Garfield will face Branson, the Northern California regional champion, for the state title.
Planning on attending the game?
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: Natomas High School, 3301 Fong Ranch Rd, Sacramento, CA, 95834
