Freshmen, captains are key to Paloma's soccer success

Freshman John Trujillo is the Wildcats' leading goal scorer with seven. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The Paloma Valley High boys soccer team will play at Vista Del Lago on Wednesday in an attempt to add another win to its 9-3-2 record.

The Wildcats are 1-1 in Sunbelt League play after dropping a 4-0 decision to Elsinore on Friday. Coach Carlos Duran said his players are determined to bounce back from the loss and return to their previous road to success.

“The school was looking for change in the coaching environment, and we’re slowly taking steps to get there,” said Duran, in his first year as head coach of the team. “We’re moving in the right direction.”

Duran gives high praise to his team captains, center midfielder Daniel Garcia and center back Ryan Pruitt, whom he calls “probably the best in the league.”

“They are a big part of why the team has turned it around,” Duran said. “The school hasn’t had a winning season the last four or five years. Things are going well now.”

Duran calls Pruitt a very good tactical player. “If we didn’t have him in the back, we’d be in trouble,” the coach said. “He’s one of our very confident players.

“Danny loves the game and he loves to mentor others, on and off the pitch. Both our captains are the epitome of the student athlete. They both are very close to a 4.0 (GPA).”

The team’s leading scorer is John Trujillo, a true freshman who has seven goals.

“I’m surprised at the fact that he really stepped up to the challenge as a freshman,” Duran said, “but he’s been playing club soccer since he was a kid. His speed is on another level. John has a bright future.”

Another one of four freshmen on the team is goalkeeper Ian Evans, who has five shutouts this season. He has been a capable replacement for junior Jan Yu, who is coming back from injury.

“Ian has really stepped up to the plate and made some great saves,” Duran said. “He’s someone the team trusts.”

Nathan Alvarado is another of the team's talented freshmen. (Photo by Rick Rowell)

Nathan Patrick tries to escape the grasp of a defender during a recent game. (Photo by Rick Rowell)