Juniors Michael Catalan, middle, and Miguel Vargas, far right, battle for possession during a Carson High boy’s soccer practice Wednesday.
Photo by Carter Eckl.
Carson High boys soccer coach Frank Martinez was matter-of-fact when he said this season would be a challenge unlike any he has faced before. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Senators’ first challenge isn’t on the pitch – it is in the classroom. Martinez said he will start the season with 13 ineligible players due to academics, but is taking a chance on several of them in hopes to help use athletics to steer his players back on track. “We want to at least compete,” said Martinez. “We do have the talent, if we work hard. It’s going to be tough with so many young kids. … It’s going to be weird.” It’s been a challenging time for many of Martinez’s players over the last 18 months, several of whom not only did not play last spring, for various reasons. Many of his players have been pushed into the workforce to help support at home and, in turn, have not taken care of other responsibilities in the classroom. “I know other teams have the same issues as us, with the ineligibles,” Martinez said.
Around the field It’s going to be quite a bit of plug and place for the Senators in the seasons early going. Martinez has brought in some of his former players like Isael Lopez and Christian Martinez, both of whom were a part of the Senators’ state title in 2015, to help grow the leadership among his upperclassmen. Sacrifices are already being made in practice as players shuffle from their usual positions to help out in holes that have formed in the last year. Luis Carillo, who was Carson’s second leading scorer last season, will likely be the first to make the switch, dropping back in the formation to help out on defense “He’s got great skills. He needs to be a role model to the other guys,” said Martinez. Martinez anticipates the defense to be more of a work in progress than year’s past. Seniors Emiliano Bravo and Emiliano Gutierrez combined to score three goals last season and will be a major part of the Senators’ attacking play. Christopher Camacho may be another midfielder that the Senators drop back into a more defensive role this season as well. Seven underclassmen made the varsity roster for the 2021 fall season. Freshman Kael Walt, son of girls soccer coach Kyle Walt, will be center defensive mid for Carson. “He plays the position really well. He distributes the ball really well. I think he is going to be one of the main players, even though he is a freshman,” Martinez said. Samuel Guerra comes back as a sophomore with a year of varsity experience for Carson along with keeper Rene Gonzalez. Miguel Vargas is a junior who has not played meaningful varsity minutes yet, but Martinez is anxious to see him up front as a finisher. “H’s small, but he’s quick,” Martinez said. “I’m looking forward to having a finisher again.”
Regional outlook Galena is the team to beat, Martinez said. Everyone else in the region, Martinez thinks is up for grabs. Having the chance to play a full season was enough to build excitement back into the program after a COVID season dampened spirits. ‘It’s awesome,” said Martinez. “Just telling them they were going to have a whole season. I’m excited.” Where the Senators’ fall in the mix of Class 5A play, will likely be reliant on keeping everyone suited up and on the field. League schedule 8/25 – @ Hug 9/1 – @ Reed 9/4 – v. North Valleys 9/8 – v. Spanish Springs 9/11 – v. Damonte Ranch 9/15 – v. Wooster 9/18 – @ Sparks 9/22 – @ Galena 9/25 – BYE 9/29 – v. Hug 10/2 – v. Reed 10/9 – @ North Valleys 10/13 – @ Spanish Springs 10/16 – @ Damonte Ranch 10/20 – @ Wooster 10/23 – v. Sparks 10/27 – v. Galena 10/30 – @ Wooster
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