What started as a routine regular season game for the BOHS boys’ varsity soccer team against San Dimas High School Dec. 4 turned into a record-breaking night for Anthony Aguirre (’26) who set a school record for goals in a single game with five.
Aguirre broke the previous record of four goals by Nate Fischer (‘07), who set the mark during the 2006-2007 season (while current head coach JohnPaul Wilson was a senior on the squad).
For Aguirre, the record means more than just another statistic beside his name.
“It feels good to know that I’ve left a legacy,” Aguirre, who leads the team this season with 10 goals, said. “It means a lot to know I’m a part of the program’s history now.”
Aguirre scored two of his goals in the first half before adding three more in the second.
The first goal of his record-setting night in San Dimas was set up by defender Aaron Gordon (‘27) who tossed a long throw-in to midfielder Jonas Pearson (‘26). Pearson passed the ball to Aguirre, who dribbled up the line and made the shot near the post.
Moments later, the Saints goalkeeper attempted a goal kick that landed short. Pearson intercepted with a header to Aguirre, who shot the ball just above the keeper to land the second goal.
Aware that the school record was in reach for Aguirre, during halftime the Wildcats shifted their game plan to “get him the ball,” according to Pearson. “By halftime we all knew [the record] was possible, and we committed to it,” Pearson said.
Right after kickoff to start the second half, midfielder Jens Erxleben (‘27) assisted Aguirre by taking the ball down the flank, crossed it over to Aguirre, who then finished the play for another goal.
Minutes later, Pearson had another assist, helping Aguirre dribble past multiple lines of defenders before striking to the back post.
The fifth and final goal of the game came off another assist from Pearson, his fourth. Aguirre dribbled past the last defenders and the goalkeeper near the goal post before he slotted it to the net. (The school record for assists in a game is five, set in 1989 by Ray Schwengel [’89].)
All five of Aguirre’s shots found the back of the net.
Wilson emphasized the result was a product of both Aguirre’s execution and team support. “To score five goals is difficult because the team needs to play to its best abilities, and [Aguirre] needs to finish each of his opportunities – which he did,” Wilson said.
Aguirre leads the Wildcats with 17 points, and is averaging a team-leading 2.7 goals per game.
Wilson also credits Aguirre’s technical ability on the field. “Anthony is a special player,” Wilson said. “He combines speed and power with a natural ability to cut around players in games, or create separation from them with his burst of pace.”
Despite the record-breaking night, Aguirre remains committed to what lies ahead.
“I’m just excited to see what else I can do, and hopefully it’ll be to break another record,” Aguirre said.
After getting shut out by Sonora High School Dec. 12, the Wildcats’ first loss of the season, Aguirre will get another shot at the record Dec. 15 when the Wildcats face La Habra High School (1-3-1) in Wildcat Stadium at 6 p.m.
