This year’s boys’ soccer team has come to a start. Starting the year off strong with a win against Stockdale, this year’s boys’ are eager to get back on the field. Last season’s team held a record of 19-3-3. Dominating most of their season, unfortunately, came to a loss when competing in the D-1 Valley final against Clovis North. Although, they are hopeful to place again this year and make it even further than the year before.
Last season as assistant coach, Isai Cruz made the decision to step up to be this season’s new head coach. Cruz himself played as a student here at Ridgeview and saw it as a given that he would coach later on as well. “I still kinda play even though I’m always hurt, but I’d say after I graduated high school I just started focusing on coaching,” states Cruz. The main objectives this year for Cruz are winning as well as just enjoying the overall game for both himself and his players, he also hopes they take away valuable learning experiences from this season. “ I just hope they can have a good time. I mean have fun, build some good relationships and basically develop a problem-solving mindset and build soft skills that they can carry on into their adult life.”
Senior players for this season are Jonathan Salazar and Takuto Yamaguchi. Also returning to the team for his Junior year is Javier Villatoro. All three players have been playing since their freshman year and are really looking forward to starting up the season again.“ I always have a goal, so last year we made it to the championship. I’m trying to make that happen again, but actually win it this time and just make the all-star team”, states Salazar. Playing soccer from a very young age, Salazar felt inspired to play the sport because of family members and always finding himself surrounded by sports. The same goes for another senior returner Yamaguchi. Feeling inspired to play the sport because of older siblings made him realize the devotion that he has for this sport. “ Outside of high school, I’m playing for a semi-pro team right now so I just want to see if I can advance into the first team.”
Villatoro, who plays center back for the boys’ soccer team , is looking forward to taking on the challenges that this season has to offer. Going against schools both in and out of Bakersfield, Villatoro claims that certain teams outside of Bakersfield are sure to come with a challenge. “Probably tournaments since they’re harder than Bakersfield teams”. All three returners are eager to make it to Valley once again. Salazar and Yamaguchi for their last year as well as enjoying it while they can with their team. Cruz anticipates his team to always remember the time they have now playing soccer and to enjoy these moments on the field. “ It’s funny you guys probably hear it all the time but stuff like this doesn’t always last forever, you won’t be able to play forever.”
