Seven Lakes season has been all about this moment.

Everything for the Spartans has led up to this week. The Spartans set out to get back to the state tournament this year and they’ve now accomplished it, learning lessons along the way as they cemented their place as one of the top teams in the state.

“There’s just so much talent on this team,” said senior central midfielder Gabriel Gonzalez said. “Everywhere on the field we have guys who can do whatever is needed and our coaches put us in great position. “It’s all been about this, we wanted to be here. It’s all about doing what we weren’t able to last year and winning the whole things.”

Last year’s state semifinal loss to Plano is still on the minds of the Spartans. Seven Lakes took a 1-0 lead and dominated the first half, but a 20 minute span in the second half where the Spartans gave up three goals in 17 minutes led to a loss for the Spartans, despite being the dominant side for the majority of the game.

 “If you look at last years state semifinal, we played extremely well for all but 15 minutes of it,” said Seven Lakes head coach Jimmy Krueger. “Those 15 minutes were the difference for us. These guys understand that in those moments you can never let up at all. They’ve experienced it, I as a coach have experienced what it’s like to be there on the sideline. Anytime you’ve been there with a group, they’re ready the next time.”

The hunger to get back to state and prove themselves has grown all year for the Spartans. Getting to state has just fueled them even more, and the Spartans want to prove they can not just compete, but win at state.

“Last year we weren’t expected to get to state,” said junior winger and right back Daniel Ejerenwa. “Getting there was an accomplishment and it showed what we could do as a team. Now we have a target on the back, but we’ve answered the call every time and we’ve fought our way back. Now we just have to keep it going and show why we’re going back to state.”

Seven Lakes will play Garland Sachse in the state semifinal, a tough opponent that comes off a 2-1 win over the Woodlands, the only team that has beaten Seven Lakes this year. The Spartans will take on Sachse at 5 p.m. Friday at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.

“This is unfinished business,” Krueger said. “No boys team from Katy has won a state title yet even though a ton have been there. We’re hoping to go out and change that but it’s up to us, we have to be prepared and ready for everything that’s going to come our way.”