Carson High’s Jaden Gomez celebrates his first half goal during the Senators’ 2-2 draw against North Valleys on Monday.
Photo by Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage.
The Carson High boys soccer team will build off of its efforts from last season when the Senators finished 3-9-5 (W-L-T) and missed the postseason.
Coach Pedro Lopez said the state of the program is much better as he heads into his second year at the helm.
“Last year was not what I expected. We came in here and found things not up to par, is the way I would put it,” said Lopez. “Last year was setting the bar and setting the standard. This year is more about playing organized and getting some more wins.”
Around the pitch
Carson is 0-1-1 after a 2-2 draw with North Valleys in the home opener Monday and 2-1 loss to Hug on Wednesday.
Starting at keeper, Joshua Lopez made several diving stops Monday. In the 21st and 23rd minutes, Lopez made consecutive saves that allowed the Senators to stay in front after opening with an early goal.
“I think Josh did a phenomenal job last year. He earned his spot and impressed a lot of us,” said Lopez. “He’s got great competition with freshman Cameron Woods and (junior) Ellan Ortiz. Right now, Josh is doing a great job.”
In front of net will be a back line featuring a returning all-region player in Josue Gomez.
Gomez was a first team all-region defender last season in Class 5A as a junior; he will be accompanied by fellow senior Diego Valdovinos.
At center back will be freshman Francisco Velazquez and Angel Vega Alvarez is expected at right back when he returns from injury.
“We have a good senior class this year. With Francisco, we have a great center back and team to develop,” said Lopez.
Kael Walt, a junior, returns as an all-league honorable mention last season in the midfield.
Junior Jaden Gomez and senior Rene Gonzalez will be major parts of the midfield.
Carson hopes to improve up front as finishing was one of the struggles of last season’s team.
Jual Alegria Gutierrez opened his season at striker with a goal against North Valleys in the final moments to secure the draw.
Aby Zambrano and Johan Lizarraga are two other players Senator fans can expect to see pressuring opposing defenses.
“We’re starting off with a good step,” said Lopez. “That’s one thing we definitely have to work on the next couple of weeks, especially when you get into those league games.”
League landscape
Boys soccer remains in Class 5A.
Alongside Carson in the Northern 5A will be Douglas, Bishop Manogue, Damonte Ranch, Reed, Reno, Spanish Springs, Sparks, Wooster, McQueen, North Valleys, Hug and Galena.
The Senators open league play Sept. 9 at Galena High School.
(Juan Alegria Gutierrez attempts to dribble away from a Panther player during the Senators’ 2-2 draw against North Valleys on Monday in a non-league contest. Gutierrez scored the game’s final goal in the 78th minute. Jeff Mulvihill. Jr/ | InstaImage)