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LOS LUNAS — With a large crowd watching in silence last Thursday, the Los Lunas boys’ soccer team kneeled across the pitch. Soon each player released a balloon into the bright blue afternoon sky.
At about the same time on the spectator side, more balloons were released, all to honor Sergio Aldaz, an LLHS honor student and soccer player. Aldaz died Oct. 5 when the motorcycle he was riding and another vehicle collided at the intersection of Manzano Expressway and Meadow Lake Road.
As the balloons drifted above, the players rose to their feet. Sobbing from some spectators broke the silence.
Officials stopped the game at the 20-minute mark of the first half to begin a prearranged tribute to Aldaz, who wore No. 20 for the Tigers.
“The group got together and discussed what we wanted to do and how we wanted to do it — the best way of celebrating his life,” said coach Daniel Martinez following the game.
Both LLHS and visiting Albuquerque High honored the memory of Aldaz by playing a hard fought but respectful game, with the Bulldogs pulling away in the second half for a 9-0 victory.
The Tigers were physically and emotionally drained when the final horn sounded.
“It was very emotional for all of us,” said Freddy Garrobo, sophomore goalkeeper. “We were really hurt from inside.”
“The boys really fought hard for their friend today,” the coach said.
The large turnout of supporters at the game included students, staff and Aldaz’s family members. It was clear the turnout was appreciated by the team.
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“Thanks to all these people for coming. It meant a lot to all of us,” said Garrobo.
“The whole city was behind them, supporting them,” Martinez added. “They felt it the most when they needed it.”
