Soccer teams began their pre-season with a game against Pacheco at home to kickstart their season. Girls JV and varsity played the rivals on Nov. 18, and the boys’ teams played on Nov. 25, after their previous match against Manteca on Nov. 14.
Both girls and boys varsity teams lost, while JV girls won with a score of 2-0. JV boys tied with the Panthers 1-1.
As preseason rolls on, players and coaches are looking ahead to play in the league in January. The boys’ season officially begins on Jan. 7 and ends Feb. 6, with teams competing in the Central California Conference League. The girls’ teams begin their official season around the same time, finishing during the first week of February, too.
For the boys’ teams, this year’s coaching staff includes Varsity coaches Martin Salvatier and Dayron Alestrite, and JV coaches Uriel Malfabon-Macias and Alan De La Torre. The first boys’ preseason game took place Nov. 14 against Manteca at Loftin Stadium.
Their first tournament was set for Dec. 5 against East Union High. They fell to the Lancers with a score of 0-1.
On Dec. 2, varsity boys defeated Hilmar with a score of 3-2, and JV also won, scoring 3-0. Girls’ varsity fell to the Yellowjackets with a score of 1-4, while JV won 1-0.
Senior and JV striker Bryan Jimenez, who has bounced between levels, shared his hopes for the season. After being brought up to varsity for a tournament, he performed strongly, scoring two goals in three games before suffering an injury.
Jimenez said, “I felt like I should’ve been brought up to varsity permanently.They brought me up for a tournament and I did really well, but in the third game I was injured pretty badly.”
Despite being hurt for the rest of the season, he continued to play throughout the season and was also pulled up for playoffs. He encourages younger players to eat healthy, stay in shape, and to recover properly.
On the girls’ team, both JV and varsity teams are working with two new coaches from Merced. Their first preseason game, also against Pacheco, was held Nov. 18 at home.
Scheduled next was a tournament in Hughson on Dec. 5. They played against Calaveras High School and won with a score of 1-0. They then played against Delhi, but lost 0-1.
Senior center-back Kirsten Carillo shared her emotions heading into her final season. Playing defense as a center back, she shared that she feels excited, yet sad to face playing her last high school soccer season.
When asked what advice she has for younger players, Carillo highlighted positivity and determination when she gave advice for future players.
Carillo said, “Try your best always, never give up, stay positive and improve as much as you can.”
With preseason continuing and tournaments beginning, the soccer teams are preparing for promising seasons filled with growth, competition and determination.
