Le Grand brothers will be reunited on UC Merced men’s soccer team after recent signing
An opportunity to play college soccer with his older brother and stay close to home so his family can watch them play was too good to pass up for Le Grand High standout Brian Lua.
Lua recently celebrated signing his national letter of intent to play soccer at UC Merced with family, friends, and teammates at Le Grand High School.
“It was pretty special,” Lua said. “I was able to do it with my family there. I’ve always looked up to my brother (Andres). I always want to accomplish what he accomplished, and to get to accomplish something he did meant a lot.”
Brian didn’t get many opportunities to play with Andres growing up with Andres being three years older. The only time was when Brian was a freshman and Andres was a senior on the Le Grand High soccer team that won Sac-Joaquin Section and Northern California championships.
Andres was the leading scorer for the Bobcats this spring, scoring eight goals in leading UC Merced to a California Pacific Conference championship.
Brian Lua led the Bulldogs with 16 goals in 17 games his junior year.
“It makes me happy that I will be able to play with him at least one more year,” Brian said.
There were other draws to UC Merced other than the opportunity to play with his brother.
“I like the facilities, and it’s nearby,” Brian said. “I don’t have to go very far. My family is very excited they get to go out and watch us play one last time together.”
Brian, who has compiled a 3.7 GPA at Le Grand, plans to major in human biology at UC Merced.
Brian becomes the second Le Grand High athlete to commit to UC Merced this spring. Alexa Ultreras is headed to UC Merced to play volleyball after signing in March.
“I’m very excited,” Brian said. “It’s a dream come true.”
