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Yuma Criminals Last year: 5-9 AIA, 3-7 Gila Valley Region Top returners: Andres Rodriguez, MF, sr.; Ricardo Aguillar, D, sr. Key newcomers: Jonathan Martinez, MF, soph. Player to watch: Ricardo Aguillar started off last season as a midfielder, but during the second half of the season, the coaches moved him to the back line. He proved to be effective there and looks to continue that this season. Coach Jaime Ibarra’s comments: “Good soccer teams build from the ote We want to be solid there and build a good attack from the back.” The lowdown: Last year's team struggled with cohesiveness, an issue that Ibarra insists is behind them. The Criminals spent the offseason playing in club soccer programs, which has shown in their early practices, according to Ibarra. Every little bit will help for Yuma High, which finished the 2009-10 season at fifth place in the region, trailing all other teams except Lake Havasu Gila Ridge Hawks Last year: 6-7 AIA, 4-6 Gila Valley Region Top returners: Andres Arguez, MF, jr. Lupe Paz, MF, jr.; Chris Martinez, D, sr. Key newcomers: Landy Altienza, GK, sr. Player to watch: Landy Altienza transferred to Gila Ridge last year from Calexico (Mexico) and will look to be an instant factor between the posts. Coach Jay VanWassenhoven’s comments: “Every year, we get better. I expect the same.” The lowdown: VanWassenhoven spent a majority of the 2009-10 season teaching his team the nuances of playing the game. With those lessons ingrained, the Hawks hope to spend this season just playing the games. Gila Ridge graduated its top player, Javier Bon Jr., but the increase in the team’s depth will offset the loss. Toward the end of last year, the Hawks moved from being attacking oriented to focus on defense. Van Wassenhoven said he expects to be more balanced this season. Yuma Catholic Shamrocks Last year: 8-4 AIA, 5-2 1A/2A/3A West Region Top returners: Kody King, GK, sr.; Chris Hill, MF sr.; Jorge Zavala, MF, Jr. Key newcomers: Hector Cha, F, Jr.; Daniel Aguilar, Player to watch: Hector Cha will be a fresh face on the Shamrocks’ attack, but he looks to be an instant contributor. Coaches say his ball control is exceptional and he has a good feel for the game and can shoot with both feet. Coach Ralph Evans’ comments: “We've got more players than we did last year and a better schedule ... Last year, we started off the season with five injured kids.” The lowdown: Expectations remain high for Yuma Catholic, which fell short of its lofty goals after the 2009-10 season. This season will be critical for the Shamrocks’ program, as many of the team’s key players are entering their senior season. Evans said that the team has been very cohesive in practices, but that several of the players haven't practiced with the squad due to obligations with football. Cibola Raiders Last year: 5-7 AIA, 5-5 Gila Valley Region Top returners: Francisco Cosio, D, sr.; Jorge Perez, F, sr.; Christian Coronel, GK, sr. Key newcomers: Paulo Amador, MF, soph. Player to watch: Francisco Cosio, a key for the Raiders last season, has already emerged as a vocal leader for the team. He'll anchor a group of seniors that hope to spoil in the region this season. Coach Mike Fritz’s comments: “Whenever you change coaches, do certainly things to do different. The kids are very responsive to that. The lowdown: First-year coach Mike Fritz, who formerly coached the girls team, is moving from a squad that competed for the region title to one that’s been on the outside looking in. Still, Fritz said he was excited for the opportunity and has great expectations for his team. He'll inherit a squad of veterans that has an opportunity to compete for the region crown, but the Raiders will have to overcome Kofa and San Luis, something they were unable to do in the 2009-10 season. Kofa Kings Last year: 11-1 AIA, 9-1 Gila Valley Region Top returners: Colby Carr, F, Jr.; Martin Lara, D, sr.; Michael Eldrige, D, sr.. Key newcomers: Donal Landrum, F, sr. Player to watch: Colby Carr was second in the region in goals scored last season. He'll return to lead the Kings this season, who have their eyes set on the Gila Valley Region title one year after losing it to San Luis. Coach Jamie Nicewander’s comments: “The past is the past; you're only as good as your next game. We always tell our kids that.’ The lowdown: Despite losing nine seniors from last year’s squad — seven of whom attended college on soccer scholarships — Nicewander is convinced his team can win the region title this year. The Kings finished the regular season tied with San Luis but lost the region crown after the tiebreaker, the AIA Power Rankings. Last year's Kofa team set school records for shutouts and goals scored, including a 20-0 victory over Lake Havasu. Nicewander doesn't think attrition will be an issue. He said more than 90 kids came out for soccer tryouts for the Kings at all three levels.
Newspaper Details
Yuma Sun
Yuma, Arizona, US
Mon, Dec 06, 2010
Page 23
Full Page
Clipped by
Jesus R.
