Men’s Soccer team advance to playoffs

Photo by Ivan Sitohang
Photo by Ivan Sitohang
Salvador Vargas and Juan Carrillo celebrate after a goal is scored. – Photo by Ivan Sitohang

Peninsula College’s men’s soccer team is looking for another NWAC Championship. With a league record of 9-0-1, and 11-0-2 overall, they are in first place the north division, scoring an impressive 49 goals, while allowing only 14. they also shut out 4 opponents.

Head Coach Cale Rodriguez said, ”As of Wednesday (Oct 12) results, we clinched a spot in the playoffs already. Now we are just fighting it out for the first seed in the division which would give us a first round bye in the playoffs and a home game in the quarterfinals.”

Cesar Gervacio scored 10 goals, earning 28 points, Juan Carrillo scored 8 goals, earning 21 points and Joey Hollimon scored 6 goals, earning 16 points.

The players believe in the coaching staff and it shows.

Rodriguez said, “It’s about trust. I ask the players to trust in what we are doing and that everything is done intentionally. We get them to focus on the bigger picture as to why they are here, so with an environment where everybody is simply trying to get better every single day, it allows us as group to come together to reach a common goal.”

Rodriguez believes that teamwork and diligence has helped cultivate the Pirates’ success this season.

“I believe I have yet to see the best from my team.We have a very talented group this year. Every single player in our program contributes to our successes and failures,” said Rodriguez. “We train Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Plus we have morning weights twice a week and film every Friday. We don’t take any days off. We spend a lot of time together”

Rodriguez also gave praise to the first place women’s team.

“I’m Very proud. Coach Anderson and Coach De Vaughn run an excellent program.” Rodriguez said, “It’s easy to overlook their success because they are so dominant but you have to give their staff and players a lot of credit for what they’ve done so far. It’s pretty impressive.”

With the playoffs clinched and the players preparing for Monday’s game, hopes are high for Peninsula College men’s soccer.