Boys Soccer Second Team

Published online on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009

Mat Nordstrom

School: Hanford

Year: Senior

Position: Forward/midfielder

Need to know: West Yosemite League Offensive Player of the Year led his team with 17 goals and 13 assists (10 goals, 10 assists in league play). Bullpups had WYL’s most potent offense, averaging 3.1 goals per game en route to 9-2-1 record and first-place finish. Hanford lost 4-3 to Highland in Central Section Division III quarterfinals to finish 12-7-3 overall. “Goals were hard to come by in the defensive WYL but Mat always seemed to manage to be involved with putting the ball in the back of the net,” Hanford coach Patrick Hendricks said. “Mat was a player that made everyone around him better. During the season Mat was often the focal point of the other team’s defense, yet he rarely got shut down. When given the opportunity to shoot, Mat would make sure it counted, but what made Mat a true team player and Valley All-Star was his attitude and teamwork on the field. Mat was just as happy getting an assist or setting up a play for others as he was to score a goal.”

Dennis De La Torre

School: Roosevelt

Year: Senior

Position: Sweeper

Need to know: Two-year varsity starter scored four goals this season from his defensive position, including two game-winners and an equalizer. Roosevelt won the North Yosemite League and beat Arvin 4-0 for the Central Section Division IV title. “Dennis is very athletic and has a knack for scoring off of set pieces like corners,” Roosevelt coach Joel Munoz said.

Omar Santoyo

School: Roosevelt

Year: Senior

Position: Striker

Need to know: Two-year varsity starter scored nine goals, including four game-winners, en route to North Yosemite League Player of the Year honors. “Omar is a combo power/speedster,” Roosevelt coach Joel Munoz said. “He is very strong on the ball and very fast.”

Brock Martinez

School: Bullard

Year: Senior

Position: Utility player

Need to know: Three-year varsity player was what Bullard coach Igal Francis called “our ironman this year, playing in every game … in multiple positions.” He scored one goal and had four assists this season, playing primarily right fullback. “He is a tireless player and a team captain that leads by example,” Francis said.

Aaron Schoonover

School: Bullard

Year: Senior

Position: Forward/midfielder

Need to know: First-year varsity player ranked second on the team with 16 goals, and was named Bullard’s Offensive Player of the Year and to the All-County/Metro Athletic Conference first team. “Aaron is an outstanding young man who has really come into his own this year,” Bullard coach Igal Francis said. “He is the emotional team leader and one of the hardest working players that I have ever coached. He sent me a text message the night before the Valley championship saying, ‘Coach we got this, I promise you.’ ”

Eli Gallegos

School: Central

Year: Junior

Position: Midfield

Need to know: Three-year varsity player led Central in assists with 15 from his attacking midfielder spot. Also scored five goals and was voted first-team All-Tri-River Athletic Conference for the second straight year. “Eli has great ball control and provides leadership to the team on the field,” Central coach Daren Pittman said. “He plays the game with a lot of heart and determination.”

Enrique Cruz

School: Central

Year: Junior