2023 disappointment motivates Eagles, Tigers and Jaguars

Neither Belen, Los Lunas nor Valencia made the 2023 playoffs in boys’ soccer, although VHS came close with a 9-9-1 record.

It may be difficult for one or more to reach the postseason in 2024, but each expects to see improvement.

Los Lunas

It may not exactly be the program he remembers, but Daniel Martinez is anxious to see what his second stint as Los Lunas boys’ soccer coach will bring.

“It feels good,” says Martinez who compiled a 65-38-1 record during a span of five seasons with the Tigers ending in 2017. “We’ve got a hardworking group. I’m just excited to see what we can get out of them.”

The reality is a bit sobering. The Tigers are coming off a 4-16 season under coach Eraclio Chavez, who resigned last fall. Just three goals were scored by non-seniors, and only twin brothers, Freddy and Jovany Garrobo, have any varsity experience.

“Our new coach has really improved us a lot,” said Freddy Garrobo, sophomore, who teams with Jovany in the midfield. “He makes us work as a team — we’re learning how to build from the back (defense) all the way to the top.”

“We do have very good qualities, such as speed and we’re very good tactically,” Martinez believes. “Of course, with them being young there are technical things we’ve got to work on and improve on.”

Defense is a concern for Martinez, as well as the number of players who are out for the team.

“The numbers will be really tight to make the turnaround,” to field a junior varsity as well.

“Changing the mindset is a big cultural issue currently,” said Martinez. “It’s something we’re trying to flip around.”

The goal for Freddy Garrobo?

“Have fun — get as many wins as we can.”

Los Lunas opened the season Tuesday with a 4-0 loss at Valencia.

Valencia

No doubt there was disappointment when Valencia (9-9-1) was left out of the boys’ 4A State Soccer Championship in 2023.

It especially hurt with a talented group of seniors that included Benjamin Smith, Victor Ramirez, Kyle Mankins and Jovanny Maldonado. They took most of the scoring with them when they graduated.

“We’ve been working on that because in past years, that’s been a problem,” said coach Eric Gutierrez about scoring goals. “We’ve been practicing during the summer, a high concentration” of shots on goal.

The defense will be led by Shawn Mankins, who “has been very essential to the team — he has taken on a leadership role,” according to Gutierrez. “He’s an amazing player.”

“The team is looking pretty strong,” said Bladimir Ramirez, junior midfielder.

Ramirez believes the strength of the Jags is in the midfield and with “a lot of young talent looking to gain more experience and develop so we can go somewhere. We’re hoping to make state this year and, hopefully, beat Pius.”

In recent years, St. Pius and Highland have led the way in District 5-4A, making it, according to Gutierrez, the toughest district in 4A. He believes Valencia should have made it to state last year, but the goal now is to break through in 2024.

“Yes, yes, yes,” said Gutierrez. “The boys have been working very, very hard. We have high hopes for the season.”

The season started Tuesday with a 4-0 victory to Los Lunas at VHS.

Belen

Last year was difficult for the Belen boys’ soccer team, but the Eagles are ready to move on from the season that ended with a 3-17 record.

“There are a few players who are quite talented, to say the least,” said Edgar Lopez, BHS coach. “They know how the game works and I hope to rely on them.”

Those players include Jaret Fernandez, senior, the Eagles top scorer last season with 12 goals.

“I think our talent overall is way better,” the coach said. “Everyone is more developed.”

BHS has a solid group of seniors.

“The most we’ve had. That’s exciting,” said Maximus Esquibel, senior.

However, Lopez believes underclassmen will need to play key roles.

“The youth is finally understanding the game and how to move the ball,” Esquibel said.

Goalkeeper Emilio Juardo has graduated, so the Eagles will need to fill that spot.

“We’re going to have a good defense, but also have a better midfield,” said Landon Boggs, junior midfielder. “We’ll see what we can do to score goals.”

Scoring goals was a problem for BHS. The Eagles were shutout 14 times last season.

Israel Mendoza, senior, says he’ll play anywhere on the field and is willing to “go back and help the defense, if need be,” adding, “I want to go and take an opportunity to score this year. “

Belen started the season Tuesday, falling 10-0 to Rio Grande on the road.