After all the tryouts, all the pre-season training, all the scrimmages and all the tournament play the arrival of final
city and district soccer season is upon us. With all LISD schools moving to 4-A after this year, this is the last time all
the Laredo schools would be placed together for now. One school currently plays in the private school division and
will also be counted in our review and rankings as they have played the local schools as well. The soccer guru has
been hard at work braving not only the recent winter weather but also the Laredo traffic and the long distances the
soccer guru needs to travel to see all the teams all over the city. The soccer guru has seen countless soccer
practices from the teams and has had endless personal conversations with the coaches as to the status of their
soccer teams. The soccer guru has also seen the teams in out-of-town scrimmages where he got a look at potential
playoff match ups in the valley scrimmages where he spoke to those valley coaches and also to sports media in those
towns. The soccer guru has been doing this from day one that soccer training had started but has also scouted
certain marquee players all year round from the different city leagues the students participate in. The soccer guru
has had breakfast,lunch,and dinner with several coaches on different occasions and even seen soccer coaches at
different locations and we ended up talking about soccer. So the soccer guru's prediction of the season and the
breakdown of every team is an educated guess over all this time. This educated guess in no way means the soccer
guru cannot be mistaken or should be taken personal by the players, coaches or parents. If this educated guess
makes your team or player look at their own deficiencies and improve their game...then the soccer guru has done his
job of improving our soccer level. So go ahead and prove the soccer guru wrong. The soccer guru is wise but not
infallible. Other media and I'm not knocking them or anything,hasn't been as hard working as the soccer guru. The
soccer guru has been seen by the local teams and the parents in all these soccer events and has spoken to both as
soccer is always the topic of conversation. The soccer community understands, knows and trust that the soccer guru
has done his homework as the soccer guru doesn't take soccer lightly. The soccer guru has been involved with local
soccer at all levels so the soccer guru has an unfair advantage. But you cannot make a prediction or a breakdown if
you don't go see the teams for yourself. A phone conversation, an email or goggle search isn't enough. The soccer
guru has gladly always been willing to share his information on games and stats with all the media. He would hope
that the favor or courtesy would be returned as well. So without further a due, drum roll please, rooooooollllllllllllllllll the
rankings of your local high school soccer teams.
1.MARTIN TIGERS
COACHING:
2nd year Head Coach Armando Garcia won the district title last year after the previous coach had won the district title
the season before. Coach Garcia hopes to defend their district title as his Martin Tigers have high hopes to continue
the search for a three-peat. Coach Garcia has his group playing excellent team ball as they won the championship at
the 2nd Annual Capitol Area Soccer Tournament. Coach Garcia has great energy and enthusiasm for his team and
it's gets contagious as his team feeds off that energy. Coach Garcia is an excellent student of the game as he is
always constantly scouting, watching film of his team and tinkering with his team's offensive and defensive schemes.
Coach Garcia leaves nothing to chance and shows his great professionalism by going " all in " into his trade.
GOALKEEPING:
The Martin Tigers return last year's district goalkeeper of the year in Aldair Gonzalez. He won the award as a
freshman so you can bet that another year of experience will only make him better. Gonzalez has a great physically
strong frame to take on all the forwards brave enough to enter his goal area. Gonzalez also has great presence,
great cat-like reflexes, great footwork and great hands to seal the goal area from Tigers opponents. He is also quick
to come off his line to retrieve any ball outside his box area. If you can score on him you better save the ball because
not many goals get scored on him.
DEFENSE:
The Tigers defense is led by senior Erick "Toluca" Arana whose tall stature secures the aerial game in the box for the
Tigers. Arana is never shy about going up on corner kick as he has been known to notch a couple of goals home to
help with the Tigers offense as well. Side defender speedy junior Jerry Gaytan makes several runs up the side to help
in the attack and has the speed to recover quickly. Gaytan scored several important goals for the Tigers last year in
their run for the championship. Gaytan's versatility to play forward, midfielder or defender adds to his lethalness as
teams can not pinpoint how to contain him. Other starters on defense are Marco Ramirez and Michael Gallardo who
have size and toughness to knock players off their runs to close off passing lanes and limit shots on goal. Both
players also have great ball control and have the ability to pass effectively from their side of the field.
MIDFIELD:
The Martin Tigers midfield is their strong point this year. They have the city's best midfield as senior Armando "Heat"
Pedrote effectively runs the Martin offense. His tenacity to recover every ball and his offensive vision has the Tigers
dominating the midfield. Pedrote also possess height for the aerial game and also a scoring prowess to get on the
board. He is assisted on the wings by the "mighty mouse"trio of Jorge Flores, Gabriel Cervantes and Christian Arana.
All three are small but these players have the talents and speed to blow by anyone trying to mark them . These
players also are feisty, fight every ball and out work the competition while not letting their small frame in getting in the
way of physical play. Extremely creative midfield who can maintain possession, send multiple passes into the box and
defend their own with anyone in the district.
FORWARDS;
The Tigers scoring responsibilities now fall on senior Rafael "Kikin" Barba. He has come thru with several goals this
year already and is looking for more. Barba has good size for the aerial game and has the quickness to beat
defenders to the ball. He has two speeds: fast and faster. He also isn't shy about passing so that's a double edge
sword offensively. The other Tigers forward is Ricky Delgado. He has great movements in the box and isn't shy about
shooting either. He pressures up top to help create chances for the Tigers.
Breakout player:
The Tigers breakout player this year will be sophomore Jose de Alba. He has the offensive moves to create
headaches for any defense. He is tall, quick and extremely creative when he has the ball at his feet. The soccer guru
has seen him score several world class goals in practice on the starting team and is not afraid of any defense out
there in the district. He dazzled the jv scene last year and will be looking to make a name for himself as he has been
moved up to varsity.
OVERALL:
The Martin Tigers are the soccer guru's pick for the city's best and to repeat as the district champion. They have
great goalkeeping, a solid defense, extremely creative midfield and lethal scorers. They also have a superb bench
where all players on there make a positive difference once on the field. Coach Armando Garcia has them playing not
only team ball but championship ball as well. "To be a champion you have to beat a champion" and the Tigers are
ready to defend and take on all the teams.
2. LBJ WOLVES
COACHING:
LBJ Head Coach Eduardo Silva brings to his program lots of playing experience from his days of club soccer play at
United. Coach Silva was also a 4 year letterman and team captain at Northwood University soccer team. He also has
had experience in running club soccer in the Dallas area. He has also served as assistant coach for the Laredo Heat
PDL team and was even named interim coach for the organization for part of the season. He continues to have one of
the most successful soccer programs in the city and is the only one in the city that can boast having coached two US
under-20 National Team players in Felix Garcia and Frank Lara. In his 9th year as head coach, Coach Silva already
has his team poised to make some noise come district play. The LBJ Wolves got 2nd place at the Brownsville
Tournament where they won their group and beat several former state champions in the process. Coach Eduardo
Silva's style of coaching relies on the fundamentals of ball possession, offensive movements and maintaining team
shape. Coach Silva will be using all his player and coaching knowledge to get the best out of his team to make a deep
playoff run.
GOALKEEPING:
The LBJ goalkeeping duties are handled by junior Jesus Reynoso. He has great reflexes, excellent footwork and
great hands to secure the net for the Wolves. He also can be found to get out of his box to stop counterattacks.
Reynoso also knows how to set up his walls on free kicks which is a characteristic of how good of a goalkeeper he is.
Reynoso also knows how to move the defense in front of him as he communicates well with them.
DEFENSE:
The LBJ defense is anchored by Laredo's version of Italian defensive great Paolo Maldini in Rodolfo Ramirez. His
size, quickness and toughness makes the Wolves defense almost impenetrable. Ramirez has been working
defensively well with his other teammates in Marco Rodriguez and Marcos Castillo to stop those offensive runs in their
area. Their defensive movements are calculating and precise to suffocate any offense. They work well with their
midfielders as they are constantly moving to secure their area.
MIDFIELD:
The Wolves deep midfield is run by committee as team captain Javi Jimenez, Humberto Gonzalez, Jose Montes, Jorge
Martinez, Vidal Lara and Manuel Lara all have a hand or foot in the offense. These mid fielders work well together as
they held their own against some the the state's best competition and had great success. They all incorporate into
the attack and share the ball well. They also put pressure on the other team as they have a swarming type pressure
to cause mistakes and they will make you pay for that mistake. There is great team communication with their forwards
and defenders to close off open spaces. They also possess great ball control to weave through any defensive
pressure thrown at them. One of their main offensive pieces is out for a couple of weeks in Yair Ochoa but once he
returns you can bet that the Wolves will be that much better.
FORWARDS:
The scoring for the Wolves is done by two stellar forwards. Forwards Juan Segura and Diego Hernandez are running
on all cylinders. They both scored key goals in the Brownsville Tournament against stiff competition so you can bet
that they will be tearing it up once district starts. Both players possess lethal scoring skills but it's their movements
without the ball that sets them apart from other scoring duos. They make great diagonal runs but also have a keen
eye to create chances for each other. Both are strong and physical which will punish defenses trying to guard them or
control them.
Breakout player:
LBJ Wolves breakout star will be freshman sensation Sergio Garcia. He has the size and offensive moves to make a
difference off the bench much to the chagrin of their opponents. He has caused some stir as he has either set up his
teammates for a score or gotten a goal for himself. Look for him to continue the family tradition of superb play as he
is the younger brother of LBJ Alumni, Laredo Heat and former US National U-20 superstar Felix Garcia.
OVERALL:
The LBJ Wolves wil contend for the district title and will make their annual deep playoff run. They raised some
eyebrows in the state soccer circuit as they did extremely well against some of the state's best teams in the
Brownsville Tournament. They have a complete team along with excellent coaching. The soccer guru wonders if all
the fatigue and intensity from their run in the tourney will affect their play in the opening games come district. They
have plenty of pieces on the bench to help out but will all those games cause their focus to wane? They must recover
quickly as every district game is highly contested.
3.UNITED LONGHORNS
COACHING:
The United Longhorns are one of the city's most consistent teams over the years. Head Coach Mario Gonzalez brings
a workman ethic to the Longhorns where the soccer players are constantly evolving as soccer players. The United
Longhorns look to not only repeat their playoff run but better it as the season begins. The United Longhorn coaching
staff has a wealth of playing experience at different levels as well as coaching levels in college and USL Player
Development League. Coach Gonzalez played one year at Northwood University and was an assistant at TAMIU for
two years. United coaching staff also boast two-time district MVP Daniel Hermosillo who played for Nixon and led the
city in scoring twice. Coach Hermosillo is the current NAIA all time leading scorer with 83 goals and has every
offensive record at TAMIU in goals,assists, and points. The United coaching staff constantly is attending coaching
clinics,watching game film,holding camps and heavily involved in their middle school programs to ensure their
success at the high school level. Their dedication makes them this soccer guru's number one coaching staff in the
city. Coach Gonzalez runs a very disciplined and extremely organized practices and it shows in the product that
comes out in the games. The assistants coaches are just as driven to succeed as much as their head coach.
GOALKEEPING:
The Longhorns boast three starter-level goalkeepers in their ranks in junior Oscar Molina, sophomore Frank Rojas
and senior Angel Jimenez. Coach Gonzalez has been known to rotate his goalkeepers as each one gives you
different variations of play against their opponents. All have excellent hands and great reactions on goal to help make
the Longhorns one of the best defensive teams in the district. The goalkeepers get excellent goalkeeping workouts
as the coaching staff is constantly taking in goalkeeper classes to raise the level of their net minders. All three also
have good size for physical play in the box and never shy away from contact.
DEFENSE:
The Longhorn defense is anchored by senior versatile player Rolando Flores. He has the size and speediness to
effectively control the Longhorn back line. He also likes to push up on the Longhorn attack when needed and will be
moved around the field to different positions during the game. He is the team's vocal leader and gets the team
moving. The rest of the defense has senior Robbie Ramos, junior Oscar Perez and freshman Rodrigo Zuniga working
well to limit offensive chances for their opponents. The effectiveness of Ramos compiled with the defensive moves of
Perez and stonewall tactics of Zuniga makes the Longhorns defense an extremely difficult one to score on. Talented
and physical as any defense of the upper echelons of the city and district's best defenses.
MIDFIELD:
The midfield play of the Longhorns is probably the most versatile in the city. All the midfield players are constantly
switching positions as the game goes on to confuse their opponents. The midfield is quick, creative and fast. It is led
by senior winger Fernando Flores, senior maestro Jorge Barroso, junior Ruben Vallejo and sophomores Cesar
Guerrero and Carlos Naisir. They are always moving up and down the field while keeping their offensive and
defensive shape. They possess great ball control and attack in unison while opening up the passing lanes for their
forwards. This midfield unit has great footwork in tight spaces and have a flashiness about them to make for some
entertaining soccer.
FORWARDS:
The Longhorns offensive attack is led by their "three-headed monster" in juniors Nick Coronado and Aaron Zuniga
while new member freshman Adan Garcia has joined the group. Coronado is injured and will return in a few weeks but
that has not stopped the scoring. Zuniga is the offensive spark plug for the Longhorns offensive machine as his
creativeness gives his teammates chances galore for goal opportunities. Zuniga is playing at a whole other level as
the year begins. He already has teams figuring how to contain him or at least slow him down while limiting his passes.
Freshman Adan Garcia has scored several goals this season off those Zuniga passes as he has a great right foot.
Helping score also are senior super subs Oscar Garibay and Daniel Marin. Both these players move well in the box
as they are both extremely crafty to get the best angle and position to set up for goals.
Breakout player:
The Longhorns breakout player will be sophomore Arturo Villalba. He is a solid midfielder with awesome ball control
and great vision to unbalance any defense. He has a small stature but he has the speed to pressure and recovers
the ball nicely when its around his area. He looks to pass first and is a very good as a man-marker to effectively
neutralize any midfielder on his side of the field.
OVERALL:
The United Longhorns are always in the district title hunt year after year. They never shy away from the attention or
pressure in games as it seems to this soccer guru that rest of the district teams always play their best games against
the Longhorns. Many consider them the "Yankees" of soccer here in town as the soccer community in Laredo sees
United as a school that has "everything". The coaching staff knows that they always have a big target on their back
and they like that feeling so they prepare accordingly. The Longhorns come into district play hobbling with some key
injuries but will make a great run at the district title. They need to be more consistent on offense by scoring those oh
so many chances they get on goal if they are to win the district title. They also need to gel their back line as most of
their defensive components have been maligned by injury so far. All in all the Longhorns will be ready for all the
teams as they are sure every team has circled their soccer calender when the Longhorns come play against their
school.
4. UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS:
COACHING:
Coach Willie Santos enters his 4th year as head coach and has the Panthers up and running once again. United
Panthers Head Coach Willie Santos brings with him a different mentality to our soccer community. Coach Santos
played his high school soccer for Brownsville Hanna. There he was District MVP and also made the All-State Team as
he took them to Texas Final Four twice. Coach Santos played his college ball at West Texas A&M so his knowledge of
the game is extensive. Coach Santos has instilled his style of valley-style soccer on the Panthers. He is also assisted
by former 2001 district MVP David"acofi"Gutierrez who played for the United Longhorns. Coach Gutierrez also had a
stint at TAMIU. The Panthers are coming off a great quarterfinal run in the Brownsville tournament as they lost to
eventual champion Sharyland 4-1.
GOALKEEPERS:
The United South Panthers seemed to have found a "diamond in the rough" in sophomore keeper Saul De Los
Santos. He is quick of his line, has great hands and possess a youthful athletic energy to the goalkeeping position.
He is still somewhat inexperienced at the varsity level but he held his own against some upper level competition at the
Brownsville tourney. De Los Santos is very vocal to instruct his defensive line to close off passing lanes. He has
tremendous upside as he will only get better as the district season continues. Look for him to stifle of the best
forwards this district has and watch his "district" stock rise.
DEFENSE:
The United South defense is controlled by freshman defensive phenol Jonathan Collazo. He has good height and
confident defending coming out of the back line. He also has good ball control to juke any oncoming forwards trying
to steal the ball from his feet. Collazo is an early candidate for newcomer of the year with his talent level extremely
noticeable by other coaches. Rounding off the defensive unit are upperclassmen Jesse Magana and Joel Garza. Both
are versatile players as they are former mid fielders and forwards but make excellent defenders as well. They have
the experience managing the defensive line and are excellent teachers to enlighten Collazo on the tricks of the trade.
Look for the Panthers defense to get raise their level of play as the season progresses.
MIDFIELD:
The Panthers midfield is led by All-District standout and multi-talented Jorge Vasquez. He has the skill level to play all
the field and goal keeping positions extremely well. He ia also very accurate with his free kick which cause problems
for the other teams. He will be called upon to captain the midfield to new heights as he leads the creative Irving San
Martin and the energetic Eric De Los Santos. This midfield unit is missing one of the best players in the district in Jose
"Pay" Gutierrez who is scheduled to return to action for the second round of play. Gutierrez is a game-changer with
his volatile scoring or his "drop a dime on you" passes as he resurrected the Panthers last six season games for a
4-1-1 mark to close off the 2011 campaign. His absence is sorely missed as the guru would rank the Panthers higher
if Gutierrez were active and would put him in the District MVP race.
FORWARDS:
This year South boosts to extremely dangerous forwards in Orlando Alvarado and Serafin Perez. Both have excellent
range outside the box while also having the moves to get by the defensive pressure. Alvarado has the slippery moves
to expose any open space in the goal area and is playing his best soccer yet to date. He is also known to set up his
teammate Perez with unselfish passing to get easy scores. Perez seems to have raised his aerial game and his
offensive runs in the box much to the dismay of his opponents. Both are looking to continue their good trajectory over
their successful scrimmages and tournament play by scoring a plenty on their district foes.
Breakout player:
The United South breakout player will be Mario "Pumita" Contreras. He has run the offensive schemes that Coach
Willie Santos has come up with great success. Contreras has excellent ball-handling while never letting off on the
speed pedal. He has the ability to see the play before it develops with his great vision and instincts. Look for him to
be a major factor in the Panthers playoff hunt.
OVERALL:
The United Panthers are poised to make some district teams very nervous as they held their own against some of the
valley's best teams. The Panthers have surfaced as the dark horse for that elusive 4th spot in district as they have
the talent to accomplish so much more. The imjury bug continues to hamper this team's dreams and aspirations but
once healthy they will be a force to be reckoned with. Look for the Panthers to play each tough as Coach Willie has
the master plan to raise the level of play for his team.
5.ALEXANDER BULLDOGS
COACHING:
Head Coach Jerry Martinez is considered one of the best soccer coaches in Texas history. His 5 straight district title
run while at the helm of the Martin Tigers garnered him recognition across the state. Coach Martinez is also a very
soccer wise coach. He knows X's and O's like no other in the city. His masterful motivational style always gets the
most out of his players. His assistants Jaydo Sandoval and Joe Lawler are indispensable as each bring a different
component to the Alexander Bulldogs style of play. Coach Martinez has the youngest team in the city but has them
playing effective team ball as it has been evident in the scrimmages.
GOALKEEPING:
As of press time, the battle for the starting goalkeeping spot had yet to be decided. Both goalkeepers in Bryan
Castaneda and Jesus Cavazos have been equally up to the challenge and impressive in goal. Both have a youthful
and energetic feel to their play but have the veteran saWy to handle any situation. Both also have good reactions to
shots on goal as both have had stellar saves to the approval of the Bulldogs fan base. Coach Jerry Martinez has a
tough choice as both have the right stuff to lead the Bulldogs into district play once it starts.
DEFENSE:
The Bulldogs defense is commanded by current US National U-17 teamer and sophomore Jorge Rocha. He has great
defensive skills to shut down the other team's best forward. His excellent defensive instincts and defensive
anticipation have made the Bulldogs defense a thorn on any offensive game plan. He is quick-footed and an
exceptional passer from the back to start the Bulldog attack. He is helped out defensively by Luis Romero and Ricky
Zaragoza. Both have a fast pace and will fight every possession in their area. They pass well out of the back and do
not panic under pressure. They are a young group but if they are this good now while lacking experience imagine
how good they will be after a year or two.
MIDFIELD:
The Bulldogs inspirational leader is senior Lino Gamez. His great workmanship and tenacity to give it his all on the
field has inspired the rest of his teammates to new levels. Gamez possess great size and strength to overpower a
vast majority of defenders and mid fielders trying to slow him down. He is constantly making runs at goal and forces
mismatches that he takes advantage of. The play of wingers Jorge Fischer and Gustavo Munoz have been wreaking
havoc with their speed and aggressiveness on the sides. Both players look to continue going up and down the field to
help in both the attack and the defending.
FORWARDS:
The scoring for the Alexander Bulldogs will come by way of fleet-footed Ali Velasco and feisty Jose Gomez. Both are
understanding each other very well as their offensive pressure and offensive spacing has been on par with the
district's best. Velasco has the speed to beat any defender off the ball while Gomez just outhustles the competition.
They will score plenty of goals but need to finish those easy chances if they are to surprise the district leaders.
Breakout star:
The Alexander Bulldogs breakout star will be Arturo"Brazil" Soares Molina. This talented forward has some nifty
moves to score goals. He has good physical size and possess dominating strength. His excellent ball-control and
flashy passing makes him dangerous in the box. He will cause problems for defenses as he knows how to draw
defenders towards him while opening up spaces for his teammates.
OVERALL:
The Alexander Bulldogs will make a playoff push but their youth and inexperience will hinder that playoff dream. They
will be solid at the goalkeeper spot in whoever they make their starter. They will not allow a lot of goals due to their
team defense concept but will be lacking that offensive punch needed to battle the district leaders. They will always
be a hard game as the coaching staffs is more than ready to give any team more than they can handle. They will beat
a top contender or two this season as they always do.
6. ST. AUGUSTINE KNIGHTS
COACHING:
The St. Augustine Knights are currently under the coaching hand of Hector Macias. Coach Macias is a very fiery and
exciting coach as he is constantly motivating his team. He has lead the Knights to several private schools district titles
and always has them in the playoffs. His team has adopted his energy and knowledge to play every Laredo high
school team tough even surprising two-time district champ Martin to a 1-0 victory recently. The Knights are coming off
a 3rd place finish at the Alice Tournament where they some of the area's top teams. The Knights will continue to
prosper under Coach Macias as their season goes.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping duties have fallen upon goalkeeper hotshot Jose Luis Chapa. He has long arms, a tall frame and
great goalkeeping instincts to shutout several top tier Laredo teams. He moves well inside his goal area and has the
wingspan to reach the top corners of the goal post if need be. He is extremely vocal to get his defense to cover their
assignments and also has the quickness of his line.
DEFENSE:
The Knights defense is administered by aggressive duo Jesus Rivas and Guriel Mendes. Bothe these tall defenders
have quick feet, physical size and long strides to chase down opposing forwards. They both also move well to cover
the open spaces and are excellent headers on corner kicks on the offensive end.
MIDFIELD:
The Knights midfield is where we find one of the city's brightest young stars. Adrian Garza is raising interest and
eyebrows with his possession skills but also his exciting style of play. He has the spin moves, darting moves and
juking moves to dazzle the soccer aficionados in the stands. He continues to set up his teammates as he takes on
opposing defenses and dishes the assist at the last moment. The other midfield ace for the Knights is Peter Mulamba.
His size and physique clearly outmatch the majority of the players trying to containing him much less slow him down.
He has good speed on the wing, great ball control and is aggressive to retrieve possession. Mulamba comes from a
stellar soccer family as both his older brothers Oliver and Greg Mulamba have had stints with TAMIU and Laredo Heat.
FORWARDS:
The forward play for the Knights comes to fruition by strikers Abimael Garza and Diego Cuevas. Both have a
tenaciousness about them as they never quit on any possession. Garza is the set up man while Cuevas is the cool
and calm finisher. Both made opposing teams defenses work as they are very crafty and active in the goal area.
Breakout star:
The St. Augustine Knights breakout star will be there goalkeeper. Jose Luis Chapa. He has the right feel for the game
and the right instincts to get notices by college scouts. His long punts also take a lot of pressure of his defenders
since they do not have to run so much. Excellent keeper that will get better with more experience and as the years go
by.
OVERALL:
The St Augustine Knights are ready for their private school division play as they have played some of the city's best
extremely tough.
They have had enough interest in school to have a junior varsity team to start the foundation for future Knights
teams. The Knights will need to secure their back line and score effectively if they are to have success this coming
season.
7.CIGARROA TOROS
COACHING:
The Cigarroa Toros are headed by Coach Noe Esquinca Jr. He brings with him a wealth of soccer experience from
TAMIU and the Laredo Heat. Coach Esquinca also played his high school soccer at Cigarroa so he knows the pride it
takes to wear the Toros jersey. Coach Esquinca also has instilled a great work ethic and discipline to raise the level
of play for the Cigarroa Toros. Last year was a rebuilding year but Coach Esquinca already has the Toros playing
past mid-season form. He has a very able coaching staff but it's former District MVP Carlos Juarez who has taught the
Toros defense those all important techniques to stifle offenses. The Toros are in great physical condition and are
playing exciting soccer. Coach Esquinca has inspired his team to achieve new levels of play.
GOALKEEPING:
The Toros starting goalkeeper come district play will be Gustavo Ochoa. He has good hands and smooth foot work
inside the goal area. His mid-level height has him just the right size to stop low and high shots on goal. What he lacks
in varsity game time experience he more than makes up with his quick reactions. He also has a nice long distance
punt to help take some pressure off his teammates.
DEFENSE:
The leader of the Toros defense is junior Ricky"Heat II" Mejia. He is currently a member of the Laredo Heat team
where he has gain invaluable training and conditioning which he will share with his foes. Mejia is also very versatile as
he can play at the center midfield position as well and defensive position that needs to be plugged. Mejia has great
ball control and very creative instincts in both defensive and offensive play. His other stellar teammate is Christopher
Carillo who has good size and real nice speed to slow any forwards down. Carillo is physical and aggressive inside his
defensive area where he will close off passing lanes.
MIDFIELD:
The Toros midfield has been entrusted to Luis Garcia and Adrian Sauceda. Both have very good conditioning as they
run all over the field to apply pressure on their opponents. Both also have good height and size as they overpower
and over Tower opposing team mid fielders. They possess an understanding on defensive play to drop down to cover
while pushing the offensive gas pedal. Look for them to constantly be moving and securing the Toros possession.
FORWARDS:
The Toros forwards have two very gifted and talented forwards in a "thunder and lightning" duo in Alexis Garcia and
Martin Hernandez. "Thunder" Garcia has great physical size while also have superb strength while "Lightning"
Hernandez has fast speedy feet and elusive moves to beat defenders. Both are very quick and extremely innovative
in their goal scoring. Both also have a knack for some awesome jaw dropping passes and world class goals that leave
defenders bewildered and fans cheering. They will have to be in synch if they are too beat a couple of more
established teams.
Breakout player:
The Cigarroa Toros breakout player will be Martin Hernandez. Last year it was shame that he did not get an
all-district nod as he had several spectacular goals and plays while the Toros had a lackluster season. He is the
engine that moves the Toros team as his vision sets up his teammates or gives him the opportunities to take shots on
goal. Easily one of the district's best forwards looking to get noticed just enough for some recognition come All-District
nomination time.
OVERALL:
The Cigarroa Toros are a very youthful and energetic team. Along with all that positive energy also comes the down
side of lacking experience or self-control in key situations. Sometimes they let their emotions get in the way of their
objectives and that will cost them some important victories. They will scare a few of the upper echelon teams and they
will beat a couple of the too. Time will tell if they have learned or whether history will repeat itself.
8.NIXON MUSTANGS
COACHING:
Head Coach Julian Rodriguez Jr has been in Nixon coaching circle for some time. He was the Asst. Head Coach for
several years before he was promoted to head coach last year. Coach Rodriguez brings with him a toughness and
savvy honed by years of playing high school soccer at Nixon High School and participating at the local city soccer
leagues for the major part of his life. Coach Rodriguez teaches mental discipline and physical toughness in his team's
preparation. He is also very familiar with coaching experience as his father Julian Sr is a current coach for the Martin
Girls soccer team.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping aspect of the Mustangs team falls under the charge of junior Miguel Caballero. His sheer size and
strength punish any forwards going into his area. Caballero wins the majority of the 50-50 chances in his area due to
his physique. He also has great hands and excellent reactions in net. His verbal commands to shift his defenders
have strengthen the overall team defense. He also has a very high soccer IQ as he understands where he needs to
be to better stop those shots on goal. But his most important contribution is the security and stability he gives the
Nixon team and coaching staff while standing between the three posts.
DEFENSE:
The Mustangs defense is masterminded by two-sport superstar Jesus Perez. He has the imposing size and strength
to overpower any forwards in the district. He also the right speed to keep up with speedy forwards or cut off the
angles of their runs. Perez is helped out by Martin Maldonado who has height to control those lob kicks into the goal
area. Maldonado also has decent speed but it's his anticipation to where the ball is going to go that makes him stand
out.
MIDFIELD:
The Nixon midfield is extremely young but just as talented as well. They have two very inventive and quick midfielders
in freshman Jonathan Gallegos and Nicolas Ramirez. Both has breakaway speed to counterattack while holding
possession perfectly. They both like to show off with flair like play but it is impressive. Gallegos is usually the
"recover" guy while Ramirez is the "catalyst" guy in the Mustangs offense.
FORWARDS:
The Nixon forwards have a great tradition to uphold. Over the years some of the city's most prolific scorers have worn
the green and gold. Greats such as two-time District MVP Daniel Hermosillo, Juan Cobos, Jose"Loco" Garcia and last
year's team captain Christian Duron have been up there in the district scoring title race. This year's Mustangs offense
has a great candidate in Alejndro Espinoza. His tall and slim frame helps him move easily past defenses and helps
him in the aerial game. Espinoza also has good ball-control and is an excellent passer. Most of those passes will be
sent to Alexis Mata who already has knocked a couple of goals home. This duo will be gritty and solid as the season
goes on.
Breakout star:
The Nixon Mustangs breakout star will be freshman "maestro" Nicolas Ramirez. He impressed at the scrimmages
against the first-team squads from the city as he scored several times. His outstanding creativity will make guarding
close to impossible as the game goes on. Ramirez will only get better with age and as he gains valuable varsity level
game time experience.
OVERALL:
The Nixon Mustangs are a very good team. They just got unlucky as they have some starters injured but also have
had other starters out because of grades. The Mustangs will be competitive once district starts but having those
important players missing will lessen their chances for a playoff hunt. Nixon Coach Rodriguez will need his bench to
help out more if the Mustangs are to survive the first couple of games.
SOCCER GURU TIP OF THE DAY:
The tip of the day is just an invitation to all the parents, friends, classmates, teachers, administrators and fans to
come support high school soccer this coming season. The growth of soccer over the years has risen to new heights
and is very energetic while showcasing the same school pride passion as in other sports. There is a wealth of talent
here in Laredo so come see tomorrow's stars now before you end up seeing them on the TV playing for professional
teams or even the national teams in a World Cup. KE VIVA EL FUTBOL!!!
city and district soccer season is upon us. With all LISD schools moving to 4-A after this year, this is the last time all
the Laredo schools would be placed together for now. One school currently plays in the private school division and
will also be counted in our review and rankings as they have played the local schools as well. The soccer guru has
been hard at work braving not only the recent winter weather but also the Laredo traffic and the long distances the
soccer guru needs to travel to see all the teams all over the city. The soccer guru has seen countless soccer
practices from the teams and has had endless personal conversations with the coaches as to the status of their
soccer teams. The soccer guru has also seen the teams in out-of-town scrimmages where he got a look at potential
playoff match ups in the valley scrimmages where he spoke to those valley coaches and also to sports media in those
towns. The soccer guru has been doing this from day one that soccer training had started but has also scouted
certain marquee players all year round from the different city leagues the students participate in. The soccer guru
has had breakfast,lunch,and dinner with several coaches on different occasions and even seen soccer coaches at
different locations and we ended up talking about soccer. So the soccer guru's prediction of the season and the
breakdown of every team is an educated guess over all this time. This educated guess in no way means the soccer
guru cannot be mistaken or should be taken personal by the players, coaches or parents. If this educated guess
makes your team or player look at their own deficiencies and improve their game...then the soccer guru has done his
job of improving our soccer level. So go ahead and prove the soccer guru wrong. The soccer guru is wise but not
infallible. Other media and I'm not knocking them or anything,hasn't been as hard working as the soccer guru. The
soccer guru has been seen by the local teams and the parents in all these soccer events and has spoken to both as
soccer is always the topic of conversation. The soccer community understands, knows and trust that the soccer guru
has done his homework as the soccer guru doesn't take soccer lightly. The soccer guru has been involved with local
soccer at all levels so the soccer guru has an unfair advantage. But you cannot make a prediction or a breakdown if
you don't go see the teams for yourself. A phone conversation, an email or goggle search isn't enough. The soccer
guru has gladly always been willing to share his information on games and stats with all the media. He would hope
that the favor or courtesy would be returned as well. So without further a due, drum roll please, rooooooollllllllllllllllll the
rankings of your local high school soccer teams.
1.MARTIN TIGERS
COACHING:
2nd year Head Coach Armando Garcia won the district title last year after the previous coach had won the district title
the season before. Coach Garcia hopes to defend their district title as his Martin Tigers have high hopes to continue
the search for a three-peat. Coach Garcia has his group playing excellent team ball as they won the championship at
the 2nd Annual Capitol Area Soccer Tournament. Coach Garcia has great energy and enthusiasm for his team and
it's gets contagious as his team feeds off that energy. Coach Garcia is an excellent student of the game as he is
always constantly scouting, watching film of his team and tinkering with his team's offensive and defensive schemes.
Coach Garcia leaves nothing to chance and shows his great professionalism by going " all in " into his trade.
GOALKEEPING:
The Martin Tigers return last year's district goalkeeper of the year in Aldair Gonzalez. He won the award as a
freshman so you can bet that another year of experience will only make him better. Gonzalez has a great physically
strong frame to take on all the forwards brave enough to enter his goal area. Gonzalez also has great presence,
great cat-like reflexes, great footwork and great hands to seal the goal area from Tigers opponents. He is also quick
to come off his line to retrieve any ball outside his box area. If you can score on him you better save the ball because
not many goals get scored on him.
DEFENSE:
The Tigers defense is led by senior Erick "Toluca" Arana whose tall stature secures the aerial game in the box for the
Tigers. Arana is never shy about going up on corner kick as he has been known to notch a couple of goals home to
help with the Tigers offense as well. Side defender speedy junior Jerry Gaytan makes several runs up the side to help
in the attack and has the speed to recover quickly. Gaytan scored several important goals for the Tigers last year in
their run for the championship. Gaytan's versatility to play forward, midfielder or defender adds to his lethalness as
teams can not pinpoint how to contain him. Other starters on defense are Marco Ramirez and Michael Gallardo who
have size and toughness to knock players off their runs to close off passing lanes and limit shots on goal. Both
players also have great ball control and have the ability to pass effectively from their side of the field.
MIDFIELD:
The Martin Tigers midfield is their strong point this year. They have the city's best midfield as senior Armando "Heat"
Pedrote effectively runs the Martin offense. His tenacity to recover every ball and his offensive vision has the Tigers
dominating the midfield. Pedrote also possess height for the aerial game and also a scoring prowess to get on the
board. He is assisted on the wings by the "mighty mouse"trio of Jorge Flores, Gabriel Cervantes and Christian Arana.
All three are small but these players have the talents and speed to blow by anyone trying to mark them . These
players also are feisty, fight every ball and out work the competition while not letting their small frame in getting in the
way of physical play. Extremely creative midfield who can maintain possession, send multiple passes into the box and
defend their own with anyone in the district.
FORWARDS;
The Tigers scoring responsibilities now fall on senior Rafael "Kikin" Barba. He has come thru with several goals this
year already and is looking for more. Barba has good size for the aerial game and has the quickness to beat
defenders to the ball. He has two speeds: fast and faster. He also isn't shy about passing so that's a double edge
sword offensively. The other Tigers forward is Ricky Delgado. He has great movements in the box and isn't shy about
shooting either. He pressures up top to help create chances for the Tigers.
Breakout player:
The Tigers breakout player this year will be sophomore Jose de Alba. He has the offensive moves to create
headaches for any defense. He is tall, quick and extremely creative when he has the ball at his feet. The soccer guru
has seen him score several world class goals in practice on the starting team and is not afraid of any defense out
there in the district. He dazzled the jv scene last year and will be looking to make a name for himself as he has been
moved up to varsity.
OVERALL:
The Martin Tigers are the soccer guru's pick for the city's best and to repeat as the district champion. They have
great goalkeeping, a solid defense, extremely creative midfield and lethal scorers. They also have a superb bench
where all players on there make a positive difference once on the field. Coach Armando Garcia has them playing not
only team ball but championship ball as well. "To be a champion you have to beat a champion" and the Tigers are
ready to defend and take on all the teams.
2. LBJ WOLVES
COACHING:
LBJ Head Coach Eduardo Silva brings to his program lots of playing experience from his days of club soccer play at
United. Coach Silva was also a 4 year letterman and team captain at Northwood University soccer team. He also has
had experience in running club soccer in the Dallas area. He has also served as assistant coach for the Laredo Heat
PDL team and was even named interim coach for the organization for part of the season. He continues to have one of
the most successful soccer programs in the city and is the only one in the city that can boast having coached two US
under-20 National Team players in Felix Garcia and Frank Lara. In his 9th year as head coach, Coach Silva already
has his team poised to make some noise come district play. The LBJ Wolves got 2nd place at the Brownsville
Tournament where they won their group and beat several former state champions in the process. Coach Eduardo
Silva's style of coaching relies on the fundamentals of ball possession, offensive movements and maintaining team
shape. Coach Silva will be using all his player and coaching knowledge to get the best out of his team to make a deep
playoff run.
GOALKEEPING:
The LBJ goalkeeping duties are handled by junior Jesus Reynoso. He has great reflexes, excellent footwork and
great hands to secure the net for the Wolves. He also can be found to get out of his box to stop counterattacks.
Reynoso also knows how to set up his walls on free kicks which is a characteristic of how good of a goalkeeper he is.
Reynoso also knows how to move the defense in front of him as he communicates well with them.
DEFENSE:
The LBJ defense is anchored by Laredo's version of Italian defensive great Paolo Maldini in Rodolfo Ramirez. His
size, quickness and toughness makes the Wolves defense almost impenetrable. Ramirez has been working
defensively well with his other teammates in Marco Rodriguez and Marcos Castillo to stop those offensive runs in their
area. Their defensive movements are calculating and precise to suffocate any offense. They work well with their
midfielders as they are constantly moving to secure their area.
MIDFIELD:
The Wolves deep midfield is run by committee as team captain Javi Jimenez, Humberto Gonzalez, Jose Montes, Jorge
Martinez, Vidal Lara and Manuel Lara all have a hand or foot in the offense. These mid fielders work well together as
they held their own against some the the state's best competition and had great success. They all incorporate into
the attack and share the ball well. They also put pressure on the other team as they have a swarming type pressure
to cause mistakes and they will make you pay for that mistake. There is great team communication with their forwards
and defenders to close off open spaces. They also possess great ball control to weave through any defensive
pressure thrown at them. One of their main offensive pieces is out for a couple of weeks in Yair Ochoa but once he
returns you can bet that the Wolves will be that much better.
FORWARDS:
The scoring for the Wolves is done by two stellar forwards. Forwards Juan Segura and Diego Hernandez are running
on all cylinders. They both scored key goals in the Brownsville Tournament against stiff competition so you can bet
that they will be tearing it up once district starts. Both players possess lethal scoring skills but it's their movements
without the ball that sets them apart from other scoring duos. They make great diagonal runs but also have a keen
eye to create chances for each other. Both are strong and physical which will punish defenses trying to guard them or
control them.
Breakout player:
LBJ Wolves breakout star will be freshman sensation Sergio Garcia. He has the size and offensive moves to make a
difference off the bench much to the chagrin of their opponents. He has caused some stir as he has either set up his
teammates for a score or gotten a goal for himself. Look for him to continue the family tradition of superb play as he
is the younger brother of LBJ Alumni, Laredo Heat and former US National U-20 superstar Felix Garcia.
OVERALL:
The LBJ Wolves wil contend for the district title and will make their annual deep playoff run. They raised some
eyebrows in the state soccer circuit as they did extremely well against some of the state's best teams in the
Brownsville Tournament. They have a complete team along with excellent coaching. The soccer guru wonders if all
the fatigue and intensity from their run in the tourney will affect their play in the opening games come district. They
have plenty of pieces on the bench to help out but will all those games cause their focus to wane? They must recover
quickly as every district game is highly contested.
3.UNITED LONGHORNS
COACHING:
The United Longhorns are one of the city's most consistent teams over the years. Head Coach Mario Gonzalez brings
a workman ethic to the Longhorns where the soccer players are constantly evolving as soccer players. The United
Longhorns look to not only repeat their playoff run but better it as the season begins. The United Longhorn coaching
staff has a wealth of playing experience at different levels as well as coaching levels in college and USL Player
Development League. Coach Gonzalez played one year at Northwood University and was an assistant at TAMIU for
two years. United coaching staff also boast two-time district MVP Daniel Hermosillo who played for Nixon and led the
city in scoring twice. Coach Hermosillo is the current NAIA all time leading scorer with 83 goals and has every
offensive record at TAMIU in goals,assists, and points. The United coaching staff constantly is attending coaching
clinics,watching game film,holding camps and heavily involved in their middle school programs to ensure their
success at the high school level. Their dedication makes them this soccer guru's number one coaching staff in the
city. Coach Gonzalez runs a very disciplined and extremely organized practices and it shows in the product that
comes out in the games. The assistants coaches are just as driven to succeed as much as their head coach.
GOALKEEPING:
The Longhorns boast three starter-level goalkeepers in their ranks in junior Oscar Molina, sophomore Frank Rojas
and senior Angel Jimenez. Coach Gonzalez has been known to rotate his goalkeepers as each one gives you
different variations of play against their opponents. All have excellent hands and great reactions on goal to help make
the Longhorns one of the best defensive teams in the district. The goalkeepers get excellent goalkeeping workouts
as the coaching staff is constantly taking in goalkeeper classes to raise the level of their net minders. All three also
have good size for physical play in the box and never shy away from contact.
DEFENSE:
The Longhorn defense is anchored by senior versatile player Rolando Flores. He has the size and speediness to
effectively control the Longhorn back line. He also likes to push up on the Longhorn attack when needed and will be
moved around the field to different positions during the game. He is the team's vocal leader and gets the team
moving. The rest of the defense has senior Robbie Ramos, junior Oscar Perez and freshman Rodrigo Zuniga working
well to limit offensive chances for their opponents. The effectiveness of Ramos compiled with the defensive moves of
Perez and stonewall tactics of Zuniga makes the Longhorns defense an extremely difficult one to score on. Talented
and physical as any defense of the upper echelons of the city and district's best defenses.
MIDFIELD:
The midfield play of the Longhorns is probably the most versatile in the city. All the midfield players are constantly
switching positions as the game goes on to confuse their opponents. The midfield is quick, creative and fast. It is led
by senior winger Fernando Flores, senior maestro Jorge Barroso, junior Ruben Vallejo and sophomores Cesar
Guerrero and Carlos Naisir. They are always moving up and down the field while keeping their offensive and
defensive shape. They possess great ball control and attack in unison while opening up the passing lanes for their
forwards. This midfield unit has great footwork in tight spaces and have a flashiness about them to make for some
entertaining soccer.
FORWARDS:
The Longhorns offensive attack is led by their "three-headed monster" in juniors Nick Coronado and Aaron Zuniga
while new member freshman Adan Garcia has joined the group. Coronado is injured and will return in a few weeks but
that has not stopped the scoring. Zuniga is the offensive spark plug for the Longhorns offensive machine as his
creativeness gives his teammates chances galore for goal opportunities. Zuniga is playing at a whole other level as
the year begins. He already has teams figuring how to contain him or at least slow him down while limiting his passes.
Freshman Adan Garcia has scored several goals this season off those Zuniga passes as he has a great right foot.
Helping score also are senior super subs Oscar Garibay and Daniel Marin. Both these players move well in the box
as they are both extremely crafty to get the best angle and position to set up for goals.
Breakout player:
The Longhorns breakout player will be sophomore Arturo Villalba. He is a solid midfielder with awesome ball control
and great vision to unbalance any defense. He has a small stature but he has the speed to pressure and recovers
the ball nicely when its around his area. He looks to pass first and is a very good as a man-marker to effectively
neutralize any midfielder on his side of the field.
OVERALL:
The United Longhorns are always in the district title hunt year after year. They never shy away from the attention or
pressure in games as it seems to this soccer guru that rest of the district teams always play their best games against
the Longhorns. Many consider them the "Yankees" of soccer here in town as the soccer community in Laredo sees
United as a school that has "everything". The coaching staff knows that they always have a big target on their back
and they like that feeling so they prepare accordingly. The Longhorns come into district play hobbling with some key
injuries but will make a great run at the district title. They need to be more consistent on offense by scoring those oh
so many chances they get on goal if they are to win the district title. They also need to gel their back line as most of
their defensive components have been maligned by injury so far. All in all the Longhorns will be ready for all the
teams as they are sure every team has circled their soccer calender when the Longhorns come play against their
school.
4. UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS:
COACHING:
Coach Willie Santos enters his 4th year as head coach and has the Panthers up and running once again. United
Panthers Head Coach Willie Santos brings with him a different mentality to our soccer community. Coach Santos
played his high school soccer for Brownsville Hanna. There he was District MVP and also made the All-State Team as
he took them to Texas Final Four twice. Coach Santos played his college ball at West Texas A&M so his knowledge of
the game is extensive. Coach Santos has instilled his style of valley-style soccer on the Panthers. He is also assisted
by former 2001 district MVP David"acofi"Gutierrez who played for the United Longhorns. Coach Gutierrez also had a
stint at TAMIU. The Panthers are coming off a great quarterfinal run in the Brownsville tournament as they lost to
eventual champion Sharyland 4-1.
GOALKEEPERS:
The United South Panthers seemed to have found a "diamond in the rough" in sophomore keeper Saul De Los
Santos. He is quick of his line, has great hands and possess a youthful athletic energy to the goalkeeping position.
He is still somewhat inexperienced at the varsity level but he held his own against some upper level competition at the
Brownsville tourney. De Los Santos is very vocal to instruct his defensive line to close off passing lanes. He has
tremendous upside as he will only get better as the district season continues. Look for him to stifle of the best
forwards this district has and watch his "district" stock rise.
DEFENSE:
The United South defense is controlled by freshman defensive phenol Jonathan Collazo. He has good height and
confident defending coming out of the back line. He also has good ball control to juke any oncoming forwards trying
to steal the ball from his feet. Collazo is an early candidate for newcomer of the year with his talent level extremely
noticeable by other coaches. Rounding off the defensive unit are upperclassmen Jesse Magana and Joel Garza. Both
are versatile players as they are former mid fielders and forwards but make excellent defenders as well. They have
the experience managing the defensive line and are excellent teachers to enlighten Collazo on the tricks of the trade.
Look for the Panthers defense to get raise their level of play as the season progresses.
MIDFIELD:
The Panthers midfield is led by All-District standout and multi-talented Jorge Vasquez. He has the skill level to play all
the field and goal keeping positions extremely well. He ia also very accurate with his free kick which cause problems
for the other teams. He will be called upon to captain the midfield to new heights as he leads the creative Irving San
Martin and the energetic Eric De Los Santos. This midfield unit is missing one of the best players in the district in Jose
"Pay" Gutierrez who is scheduled to return to action for the second round of play. Gutierrez is a game-changer with
his volatile scoring or his "drop a dime on you" passes as he resurrected the Panthers last six season games for a
4-1-1 mark to close off the 2011 campaign. His absence is sorely missed as the guru would rank the Panthers higher
if Gutierrez were active and would put him in the District MVP race.
FORWARDS:
This year South boosts to extremely dangerous forwards in Orlando Alvarado and Serafin Perez. Both have excellent
range outside the box while also having the moves to get by the defensive pressure. Alvarado has the slippery moves
to expose any open space in the goal area and is playing his best soccer yet to date. He is also known to set up his
teammate Perez with unselfish passing to get easy scores. Perez seems to have raised his aerial game and his
offensive runs in the box much to the dismay of his opponents. Both are looking to continue their good trajectory over
their successful scrimmages and tournament play by scoring a plenty on their district foes.
Breakout player:
The United South breakout player will be Mario "Pumita" Contreras. He has run the offensive schemes that Coach
Willie Santos has come up with great success. Contreras has excellent ball-handling while never letting off on the
speed pedal. He has the ability to see the play before it develops with his great vision and instincts. Look for him to
be a major factor in the Panthers playoff hunt.
OVERALL:
The United Panthers are poised to make some district teams very nervous as they held their own against some of the
valley's best teams. The Panthers have surfaced as the dark horse for that elusive 4th spot in district as they have
the talent to accomplish so much more. The imjury bug continues to hamper this team's dreams and aspirations but
once healthy they will be a force to be reckoned with. Look for the Panthers to play each tough as Coach Willie has
the master plan to raise the level of play for his team.
5.ALEXANDER BULLDOGS
COACHING:
Head Coach Jerry Martinez is considered one of the best soccer coaches in Texas history. His 5 straight district title
run while at the helm of the Martin Tigers garnered him recognition across the state. Coach Martinez is also a very
soccer wise coach. He knows X's and O's like no other in the city. His masterful motivational style always gets the
most out of his players. His assistants Jaydo Sandoval and Joe Lawler are indispensable as each bring a different
component to the Alexander Bulldogs style of play. Coach Martinez has the youngest team in the city but has them
playing effective team ball as it has been evident in the scrimmages.
GOALKEEPING:
As of press time, the battle for the starting goalkeeping spot had yet to be decided. Both goalkeepers in Bryan
Castaneda and Jesus Cavazos have been equally up to the challenge and impressive in goal. Both have a youthful
and energetic feel to their play but have the veteran saWy to handle any situation. Both also have good reactions to
shots on goal as both have had stellar saves to the approval of the Bulldogs fan base. Coach Jerry Martinez has a
tough choice as both have the right stuff to lead the Bulldogs into district play once it starts.
DEFENSE:
The Bulldogs defense is commanded by current US National U-17 teamer and sophomore Jorge Rocha. He has great
defensive skills to shut down the other team's best forward. His excellent defensive instincts and defensive
anticipation have made the Bulldogs defense a thorn on any offensive game plan. He is quick-footed and an
exceptional passer from the back to start the Bulldog attack. He is helped out defensively by Luis Romero and Ricky
Zaragoza. Both have a fast pace and will fight every possession in their area. They pass well out of the back and do
not panic under pressure. They are a young group but if they are this good now while lacking experience imagine
how good they will be after a year or two.
MIDFIELD:
The Bulldogs inspirational leader is senior Lino Gamez. His great workmanship and tenacity to give it his all on the
field has inspired the rest of his teammates to new levels. Gamez possess great size and strength to overpower a
vast majority of defenders and mid fielders trying to slow him down. He is constantly making runs at goal and forces
mismatches that he takes advantage of. The play of wingers Jorge Fischer and Gustavo Munoz have been wreaking
havoc with their speed and aggressiveness on the sides. Both players look to continue going up and down the field to
help in both the attack and the defending.
FORWARDS:
The scoring for the Alexander Bulldogs will come by way of fleet-footed Ali Velasco and feisty Jose Gomez. Both are
understanding each other very well as their offensive pressure and offensive spacing has been on par with the
district's best. Velasco has the speed to beat any defender off the ball while Gomez just outhustles the competition.
They will score plenty of goals but need to finish those easy chances if they are to surprise the district leaders.
Breakout star:
The Alexander Bulldogs breakout star will be Arturo"Brazil" Soares Molina. This talented forward has some nifty
moves to score goals. He has good physical size and possess dominating strength. His excellent ball-control and
flashy passing makes him dangerous in the box. He will cause problems for defenses as he knows how to draw
defenders towards him while opening up spaces for his teammates.
OVERALL:
The Alexander Bulldogs will make a playoff push but their youth and inexperience will hinder that playoff dream. They
will be solid at the goalkeeper spot in whoever they make their starter. They will not allow a lot of goals due to their
team defense concept but will be lacking that offensive punch needed to battle the district leaders. They will always
be a hard game as the coaching staffs is more than ready to give any team more than they can handle. They will beat
a top contender or two this season as they always do.
6. ST. AUGUSTINE KNIGHTS
COACHING:
The St. Augustine Knights are currently under the coaching hand of Hector Macias. Coach Macias is a very fiery and
exciting coach as he is constantly motivating his team. He has lead the Knights to several private schools district titles
and always has them in the playoffs. His team has adopted his energy and knowledge to play every Laredo high
school team tough even surprising two-time district champ Martin to a 1-0 victory recently. The Knights are coming off
a 3rd place finish at the Alice Tournament where they some of the area's top teams. The Knights will continue to
prosper under Coach Macias as their season goes.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping duties have fallen upon goalkeeper hotshot Jose Luis Chapa. He has long arms, a tall frame and
great goalkeeping instincts to shutout several top tier Laredo teams. He moves well inside his goal area and has the
wingspan to reach the top corners of the goal post if need be. He is extremely vocal to get his defense to cover their
assignments and also has the quickness of his line.
DEFENSE:
The Knights defense is administered by aggressive duo Jesus Rivas and Guriel Mendes. Bothe these tall defenders
have quick feet, physical size and long strides to chase down opposing forwards. They both also move well to cover
the open spaces and are excellent headers on corner kicks on the offensive end.
MIDFIELD:
The Knights midfield is where we find one of the city's brightest young stars. Adrian Garza is raising interest and
eyebrows with his possession skills but also his exciting style of play. He has the spin moves, darting moves and
juking moves to dazzle the soccer aficionados in the stands. He continues to set up his teammates as he takes on
opposing defenses and dishes the assist at the last moment. The other midfield ace for the Knights is Peter Mulamba.
His size and physique clearly outmatch the majority of the players trying to containing him much less slow him down.
He has good speed on the wing, great ball control and is aggressive to retrieve possession. Mulamba comes from a
stellar soccer family as both his older brothers Oliver and Greg Mulamba have had stints with TAMIU and Laredo Heat.
FORWARDS:
The forward play for the Knights comes to fruition by strikers Abimael Garza and Diego Cuevas. Both have a
tenaciousness about them as they never quit on any possession. Garza is the set up man while Cuevas is the cool
and calm finisher. Both made opposing teams defenses work as they are very crafty and active in the goal area.
Breakout star:
The St. Augustine Knights breakout star will be there goalkeeper. Jose Luis Chapa. He has the right feel for the game
and the right instincts to get notices by college scouts. His long punts also take a lot of pressure of his defenders
since they do not have to run so much. Excellent keeper that will get better with more experience and as the years go
by.
OVERALL:
The St Augustine Knights are ready for their private school division play as they have played some of the city's best
extremely tough.
They have had enough interest in school to have a junior varsity team to start the foundation for future Knights
teams. The Knights will need to secure their back line and score effectively if they are to have success this coming
season.
7.CIGARROA TOROS
COACHING:
The Cigarroa Toros are headed by Coach Noe Esquinca Jr. He brings with him a wealth of soccer experience from
TAMIU and the Laredo Heat. Coach Esquinca also played his high school soccer at Cigarroa so he knows the pride it
takes to wear the Toros jersey. Coach Esquinca also has instilled a great work ethic and discipline to raise the level
of play for the Cigarroa Toros. Last year was a rebuilding year but Coach Esquinca already has the Toros playing
past mid-season form. He has a very able coaching staff but it's former District MVP Carlos Juarez who has taught the
Toros defense those all important techniques to stifle offenses. The Toros are in great physical condition and are
playing exciting soccer. Coach Esquinca has inspired his team to achieve new levels of play.
GOALKEEPING:
The Toros starting goalkeeper come district play will be Gustavo Ochoa. He has good hands and smooth foot work
inside the goal area. His mid-level height has him just the right size to stop low and high shots on goal. What he lacks
in varsity game time experience he more than makes up with his quick reactions. He also has a nice long distance
punt to help take some pressure off his teammates.
DEFENSE:
The leader of the Toros defense is junior Ricky"Heat II" Mejia. He is currently a member of the Laredo Heat team
where he has gain invaluable training and conditioning which he will share with his foes. Mejia is also very versatile as
he can play at the center midfield position as well and defensive position that needs to be plugged. Mejia has great
ball control and very creative instincts in both defensive and offensive play. His other stellar teammate is Christopher
Carillo who has good size and real nice speed to slow any forwards down. Carillo is physical and aggressive inside his
defensive area where he will close off passing lanes.
MIDFIELD:
The Toros midfield has been entrusted to Luis Garcia and Adrian Sauceda. Both have very good conditioning as they
run all over the field to apply pressure on their opponents. Both also have good height and size as they overpower
and over Tower opposing team mid fielders. They possess an understanding on defensive play to drop down to cover
while pushing the offensive gas pedal. Look for them to constantly be moving and securing the Toros possession.
FORWARDS:
The Toros forwards have two very gifted and talented forwards in a "thunder and lightning" duo in Alexis Garcia and
Martin Hernandez. "Thunder" Garcia has great physical size while also have superb strength while "Lightning"
Hernandez has fast speedy feet and elusive moves to beat defenders. Both are very quick and extremely innovative
in their goal scoring. Both also have a knack for some awesome jaw dropping passes and world class goals that leave
defenders bewildered and fans cheering. They will have to be in synch if they are too beat a couple of more
established teams.
Breakout player:
The Cigarroa Toros breakout player will be Martin Hernandez. Last year it was shame that he did not get an
all-district nod as he had several spectacular goals and plays while the Toros had a lackluster season. He is the
engine that moves the Toros team as his vision sets up his teammates or gives him the opportunities to take shots on
goal. Easily one of the district's best forwards looking to get noticed just enough for some recognition come All-District
nomination time.
OVERALL:
The Cigarroa Toros are a very youthful and energetic team. Along with all that positive energy also comes the down
side of lacking experience or self-control in key situations. Sometimes they let their emotions get in the way of their
objectives and that will cost them some important victories. They will scare a few of the upper echelon teams and they
will beat a couple of the too. Time will tell if they have learned or whether history will repeat itself.
8.NIXON MUSTANGS
COACHING:
Head Coach Julian Rodriguez Jr has been in Nixon coaching circle for some time. He was the Asst. Head Coach for
several years before he was promoted to head coach last year. Coach Rodriguez brings with him a toughness and
savvy honed by years of playing high school soccer at Nixon High School and participating at the local city soccer
leagues for the major part of his life. Coach Rodriguez teaches mental discipline and physical toughness in his team's
preparation. He is also very familiar with coaching experience as his father Julian Sr is a current coach for the Martin
Girls soccer team.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping aspect of the Mustangs team falls under the charge of junior Miguel Caballero. His sheer size and
strength punish any forwards going into his area. Caballero wins the majority of the 50-50 chances in his area due to
his physique. He also has great hands and excellent reactions in net. His verbal commands to shift his defenders
have strengthen the overall team defense. He also has a very high soccer IQ as he understands where he needs to
be to better stop those shots on goal. But his most important contribution is the security and stability he gives the
Nixon team and coaching staff while standing between the three posts.
DEFENSE:
The Mustangs defense is masterminded by two-sport superstar Jesus Perez. He has the imposing size and strength
to overpower any forwards in the district. He also the right speed to keep up with speedy forwards or cut off the
angles of their runs. Perez is helped out by Martin Maldonado who has height to control those lob kicks into the goal
area. Maldonado also has decent speed but it's his anticipation to where the ball is going to go that makes him stand
out.
MIDFIELD:
The Nixon midfield is extremely young but just as talented as well. They have two very inventive and quick midfielders
in freshman Jonathan Gallegos and Nicolas Ramirez. Both has breakaway speed to counterattack while holding
possession perfectly. They both like to show off with flair like play but it is impressive. Gallegos is usually the
"recover" guy while Ramirez is the "catalyst" guy in the Mustangs offense.
FORWARDS:
The Nixon forwards have a great tradition to uphold. Over the years some of the city's most prolific scorers have worn
the green and gold. Greats such as two-time District MVP Daniel Hermosillo, Juan Cobos, Jose"Loco" Garcia and last
year's team captain Christian Duron have been up there in the district scoring title race. This year's Mustangs offense
has a great candidate in Alejndro Espinoza. His tall and slim frame helps him move easily past defenses and helps
him in the aerial game. Espinoza also has good ball-control and is an excellent passer. Most of those passes will be
sent to Alexis Mata who already has knocked a couple of goals home. This duo will be gritty and solid as the season
goes on.
Breakout star:
The Nixon Mustangs breakout star will be freshman "maestro" Nicolas Ramirez. He impressed at the scrimmages
against the first-team squads from the city as he scored several times. His outstanding creativity will make guarding
close to impossible as the game goes on. Ramirez will only get better with age and as he gains valuable varsity level
game time experience.
OVERALL:
The Nixon Mustangs are a very good team. They just got unlucky as they have some starters injured but also have
had other starters out because of grades. The Mustangs will be competitive once district starts but having those
important players missing will lessen their chances for a playoff hunt. Nixon Coach Rodriguez will need his bench to
help out more if the Mustangs are to survive the first couple of games.
SOCCER GURU TIP OF THE DAY:
The tip of the day is just an invitation to all the parents, friends, classmates, teachers, administrators and fans to
come support high school soccer this coming season. The growth of soccer over the years has risen to new heights
and is very energetic while showcasing the same school pride passion as in other sports. There is a wealth of talent
here in Laredo so come see tomorrow's stars now before you end up seeing them on the TV playing for professional
teams or even the national teams in a World Cup. KE VIVA EL FUTBOL!!!
| SOCCER RANKINGS WEEK 1/17/2012 |
| The Sports Pulse of Laredo Sports Texas Lrd Sports Wire News Network 2012 |