Each year, the boys soccer program finds a meaningful way to honor the memories of Chris and Mathias, two remarkable young men whose lives continue to shape and inspire everyone connected to the team. Their spirit lives on through moments of reflection, acts of service, and the unbreakable bond that ties the community together.
This year’s tribute included a balloon and bubble release following the game, shared with their families. Head Coach Jon Poppen began with heartfelt words before passing the moment to the families, who spoke with grace and emotion. Although many of the current players and parents had never met Chris or Mathias, both remain part of the program’s soul, forever teammates, forever family.
The food drive held in their honor captured the essence of who Mathias was. Known for his compassion and selflessness, he was often found volunteering at the local food shelf and lending a hand wherever help was needed. Giving back was not just something he did, it was who he was. His legacy continued to move others to serve.
Read more about Mathias’s story and his incredible impact: https://www.twincities.com/2020/12/09/love-in-the-flesh-24-year-olds-death-sparks-mental-health-awareness-among-latinos-veterans/
In the week leading up to the game, the team dedicated time to something far deeper than soccer, a conversation about life, loss, and mental health. A former teammate of Chris and Mathias joined the group, sharing personal memories and his own journey through mental health struggles. An assistant coach who had known both young men well also spoke from the heart about his experiences.
What unfolded was not just a meeting, but a moment of truth and connection, a reminder that strength came from openness, that courage lived in vulnerability, and that the greatest legacy is the one that inspires others to care for one another.
Chris and Mathias no longer walk the sidelines, but their presence is felt in every act of kindness, every conversation about mental health, and every teammate who learns what it means to lead with empathy. Their legacy lives on in every game, every service project, and every heart they continued to touch.
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