Matheus Lopes was always on the run.
And the sprints were well worth it.
Lopes is a senior at Northeast High School, and for the past four years, he’s been a key member of the team.
This year, he added to his resume.
Lopes continued to be a great defender for the Vikings, who, as always, were among the best teams in the area. But he added kicking for the Northeast football team to his resume.
“I did mostly kickoffs,” said Lopes, who lives in Rhawnhurst. “I would go to soccer practice then right after I would go to football practice. I would mostly do kickoffs and would average two to three touchbacks.”
He loves both sports and his future might be in football, but he recently wrapped up a career that even he couldn’t have dreamed of when he started high school.
He went to four championship games and won all four. The Vikings won the Public League every year Lopes was in high school.
And he was happy to do his part.
“My role on the Northeast soccer team was to be a leader and guide the team to another Philadelphia Public League title,” Lopes said.
The centerback had a huge role on the field, too.
While anchoring the defense for Vikings coach John Psoras, Lopes set a great example for his teammates
“The best part about playing with these teammates was that I always knew what they could do and I trusted them a lot because we all had a lot of skill,” Lopes said “And it just showed on the field, the talent that we had.
“I realized that we were good enough to win the Public League title since the first practice we had in August. When we had that practice, I just knew that we were gonna be ready for the season.”
The Vikings had a rough road, but they never flinched.
They went 6-0 in the Public League Independence Division and 12-0 against Public League foes. The biggest win was a 2-0 victory over Franklin Towne Charter in the Public League championship game.
Northeast’s season came to an end in the District 12 championship game when the Vikings fell to Catholic League champion La Salle 2-1. The Explorers’ victory was the opposite result of a year ago when Northeast defeated La Salle to advance to the state tournament.
Not making the tournament was a letdown of sorts, but it did little to take the shine off the Vikings season, according to Lopes.
The ultimate goal wasn’t reached, but their biggest goal was when they kept the Public League championship on Algon Avenue.
“The most memorable part of the season for me was when I was able to lift up the trophy with my teammates for the fourth time in a row,” Lopes said. “I’m so proud of the team, even though we didn’t get to where we wanted to, we gave it our all and didn’t give up, and I am super proud of everyone that contributed this year.”
With Psoras as the coach, the Vikings are in good hands. They’ve dominated the Public League for about a decade now, and things will once again be looking up in September when Northeast looks to defend its crown.
But for the first time in four years, they’ll do it without Lopes. But he’s not necessarily leaving the sport.
“My plan for next year is to go to college,” said Lopes, who plans on majoring in kinesiology. “I have been talking to some coaches, not only for soccer but also for football, too. So for right now I am just weighing my options.
“I love both sports. I would play either in college. I like football a lot.”
It’s nice to have options.
Just like it was nice to wrap up such a great career that included a run to the state quarterfinals last year.
“I would just like to thank God for everything because without him none of us would be where we are at,” Lopes said. “I would also like to thank all the coaches throughout my four years of high school, my parents, teachers, teammates and friends for believing in me and helping me be the best version of myself.”
