After waiting three seasons for his shot, John Paul Herold produced The Shot for the Oaks Christian School boys' soccer team.

Or maybe it's The Goal.

Whatever the description, Herold and his game-winning goal that won the Lions' first CIF-Southern Section championship will forever be a part of program lore.

With Oaks Christian locked in a 1-1 tie with Hesperia in the CIF-SS Division V championship game on March 1 at Warren High in Downey, Herold lasered a free kick from 40 yards in the 54th minute that was the deciding goal in the Lions' 2-1 victory.

Players were stunned and coaches were wowed.

"That was the greatest goal I'd ever seen in high school soccer," says Oaks Christian coach Sebastian Alvarado. "Considering the circumstances, I've never seen a better goal."

For Herold, it was an ending he could have hardly imagined in two previous years in watching Oaks Christian games from the sidelines.

Herold missed virtually his entire sophomore and junior seasons while recovering from a series of injuries that included torn cartilage and ligaments in his hip joint and a torn ACL in his left knee.

To produce the winning goal in the biggest game of all in his last chance in high school soccer was a sweet payoff for the senior midfielder.

"It's amazing how it all worked out," he said. "I tried to stay positive. I knew I could recover and play well again. At the same time, there were times I wondered if I would stay healthy.

"It's an awesome feeling to help this team win a CIF-SS championship."

Herold returned to full health and delivered a full impact in his senior season.

The gifted midfielder became Oaks Christian's leading scorer with 19 goals, six assists and 43 points. The Lions finished 19-5-3.

Herold finishes as the Offensive Player of the Year in the CIF-SS Division V and the Tri-Valley League. Now, he is honored as The Star's Boys' Soccer Player of the Year.

Goal No. 18 became the shot-heard-'round CIF-SS Final Saturday.

When awarded the free kick, Herold almost didn't grab the opportunity.

"I wasn't going to take the kick at first," he said.

Quickly, however, his coaches called for Herold to handle the shot. Lined up to the left of goal, he deciphered his strategy.

"I decided to go far post," he said. "I hit it as hard as I could, hoping someone might head it in."

The ball rocketed, left to right, and entered the net in the far right corner. The Hesperia goalie, protecting the near post, could do little more than wave at the ball.

"My first thought was excitement, then disbelief," said Herold. "It was a great feeling to watch the ball go in."

Oaks Christian closed out its first CIF-SS title and earned a berth in the CIF's first Southern California Regional Tournament before losing to Avenal, 4-3, in overtime.

Typically, the Lions received another clutch performance from Herold. His goal is the final six minutes tied the game up at 3-3 and sent the contest into overtime.

Herold had a knack for dramatic goals. In the CIF-SS quarterfinals on the road against Sierra Vista, he scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime in a 4-3 victory.

Before this season, Herold's mental strength has long been forged.

He missed all but the final two games of his sophomore season with a dislocated hip. Early in his junior season, he suffered a strained right knee that forced him from the lineup.

When he returned, he promptly tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee.

"The hard part for me was that it cost me my club season in my junior year that was a crucial part of the recruiting process," he said. "I knew it would cost me a scholarship."

Rather than sulk, Herold focused on rehabilitation. After an injury-free senior year, his soccer future is firmly on course.

He plans to find the right opportunity in college that will enable him to walk on and challenge for a spot.

In the meantime, he's full bore into club soccer that includes a golden opportunity.

He left last week for a playing tour through England. Herold, who religiously watches English league games on television, will get a chance to play on hallowed turf.

"I couldn't be more excited," he said before his left. "England is the mecca for soccer. I not only get a chance to travel there, but I will play against some of the players in the country."

A fitting award, it would seem for a player who persevered.