‘Gabo’ adds midseason expertise to soccer

By Jacob Johnson​

Arriving in October as a new attacking midfielder from Puerto Rico, Gabriel “Gabo” Ramirez-Lugo ‘25, had a total of three points: one assist and one goal this season. 
“Even though joining a new team mid-season and not really knowing anyone and even speaking a different language, I feel I had a great overall season,” Gabo said. 
Even though he came in the middle of the season it was obvious that the connection with the team on and off the field was instant. 
“I had a great debut, like my first game, I had 17 clips [highlights of the game] in 30 minutes and even an assist,” Ramirez said. Gabo’s first game with the Raiders was Oct. 5.  In that same game North Cross took the victory over Virginia Episcopal School 3-2. In his first game the only other people to get an assist were Maddox Haskins ‘24 and Hunter Basile ‘25.
Gabo came to NCS late due to the fact former NCS  student, Mika Droste ‘25, left for his home in Germany to begin working. Gabo took the opportunity to join the school through the help of the agency for the international students.   
Even though the season ended in an unfavorable manner with a loss in the state semifinal, the team still had an amazing run this season. 
“Well, the result of course wasn’t expected,” he said. “We hoped to put up a fight with a positive mindset after the quarters, but the other team outperformed us and took advantage of their many opportunities.” 
“I definitely felt like we should’ve done more,” Gabo said, “but at the end of the day, there was nothing left but to wish the best for the other team in the final.” 
”Losing happens,” he said, “it’s what makes the sport so beautiful, just have to move on and focus on what the future may bring.”
As they walked off the field, there were very strong emotions headed back and a lot of disbelief. “Just seeing the environment even though we lost I mean there were a lot of sad faces and I can’t blame them cause I was one of them,” Ramirez said. “There was a lot of  ‘What happened?’ and ‘What needed to happen?’ from our guys.” 
“There are a lot of seniors now, but it was still really good and fun,” he said. “And in the end, there’s always next year. We’ll come back stronger.” 

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