It was April 10 and the Robinson soccer season had officially reached its low point. A talented squad with 15 seniors, the Rams had just blown a two-goal lead against Fairfax to fall to 2-4. An overtime loss to W.T. Woodson the week before had taken a lot out of the team, and Coach Robert Garza watched as their play turned lifeless.

On the bus back from Fairfax, the mood among some players was surprisingly jovial — some joking and talking, too much for Garza’s liking. So when they arrived back at Robinson, he told the group not to show up for practice the next day. The following afternoon, he dismissed the rest of the team early as well. He told his players to think about whether they wanted to be a part of the team anymore. If they did, they should show up the next day. If they didn’t, then don’t.

“It was definitely a risk,” Garza said. “But they all came back more focused, calling each other out, looking to push each other.”

Since that 2-4 start, the Rams have gone 6-0-1, finishing their season Tuesday with a 3-1 defeat of West Springfield on senior night. Senior forward Adam Laundree, the leading scorer in Northern Virginia with 21 goals, headlines their offense.

“He’s a workhorse, gets on the end of everything,” Garza said.

Laundree, who plays defense for his club team, converted to forward for Robinson last year and often uses his head to find the back of the net. He scored a hat trick the game after the Fairfax collapse, and said that Garza’s dismissal of the team helped wake up everyone.

“It was definitely a slap in the face to most of our team, because a bunch of people weren’t taking it seriously,” he said. “It really did help us.”

After coming into this season facing the kind of expectations 15 seniors can provide, Laundree admits things haven’t gone as expected. But, in the midst of a promising turnaround, the forward thinks an unpredictable season could give way to a surprising postseason run.

“Yeah, it was way different than I expected and I really don’t have an idea what’s going to happen next,” he said. “Everybody just has to give it their all and we’ll see if we can surprise some people.”

1. Oakton (11-0-2) Last week’s ranking: 2

The Cougars finished their regular season with a 4-2 win over Madison, their seventh game of the season scoring four or more.

 2. South Lakes (11-0-2) LW: 1

The Seahawks completed an undefeated regular season with a 2-2 tie against Yorktown.

3. Briar Woods (12-1-0) LW: 3

The Falcons won their last three games by a combined score of 13-0.

4. George Mason (12-0-1) LW: 5

An 8-0 win over Strasburg was just the latest blowout win for the Mustangs.

5. Loudoun Valley (13-1-0) LW: 4

The Vikings bounced back from a loss to Park View by beating Dominion 1-0.

6. Forest Park (10-2-3) LW: 6

After three straight ties, the Bruins got back to their winning ways by topping T.C. Williams, Freedom-Woodbridge and Colgan.

7. Stuart (10-2-1) LW: 7

Sophomore Harrison DiPetto scored twice in the Raiders’ 3-1 win over Washington-Lee.

8. Battlefield (10-2-3) LW: 8

A 4-2 win over Patriot handed the Bobcats the Cedar Run district title.

9. Park View (11-4-0) LW: 10

Jeison Henriquez scored two goals, including the overtime game-winner, in a 2-1 win over Loudoun Valley.

10. Robinson (8-4-1) LW: NR

Laundree scored twice in the Rams’ win over West Springfield.

Dropped out: No. 9 Yorktown (10-3-4)

On the bubble: W.T. Woodson (8-2-3), Stone Bridge (9-3-2), Hylton (10-5-1), Yorktown (10-3-4)