Seven players from Hayward worth keeping an eye on
A college coach, recruiter, or just a fan who likes players that play with passion, flair, and flash unique skills, then heading south from Oakland toward San Jose and stopping in Hayward to catch a match would be a smart…
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Continue ReadingA college coach, recruiter, or just a fan who likes players that play with passion, flair, and flash unique skills, then heading south from Oakland toward San Jose and stopping in Hayward to catch a match would be a smart decision.
The area is loaded with kids who have had a ball at their feet since they were old enough to walk. They live, eat and breathe the beautiful game. They are a joy to watch, and at this point are diamonds in the rough. Here are seven such players to keep an eye on.
Gilberto Rivera, Mount Eden, Senior, Forward/Striker
Rivera can play as a lone striker, as a tandem striker, or as a forward on the outside. He can also play as the attacking midfielder as he is very versatile. He’s a threat to the opposition’s defensive line, showing the ability to take on multiple defenders and finding an opportunity to score. He can shoot with both feet, makes very excellent decisions, and has the ability to place the ball in the net. He’s the team’s leading scorer and a big reason they had six wins heading into the Christmas break.
Arturo Fonseca, Mount Eden, Senior, Central Defender
Fonseca is an incredibly solid center back. He has everything you want in a central defender. He’s a leader, he’s a great communicator, and is terrific in his efforts to organize the back line and to work along with the defensive midfield. He’s a three-year varsity player as well.
Juan Carlos Gonzales, Mount Eden, Junior, Attacking Midfielder
Gonzales is a true No. 10. The type of player you like having as the middle of your attack because of how technical he is and because of the great vision he has. He is somewhat quiet, but a fierce player on the pitch. He’s a diminutive player, and because of that he is underestimated and the opponent is usually surprised. He’s been with the varsity since he was a freshman. He is a player who should be getting recruited more aggressively and has a 3.5 GPA to go with his soccer ability.
Carlos Becerra, Arroyo, Senior, Forward
Becerra is a very, very versatile player. He can play multiple positions, playing up top, on the outside, or playing in the middle of the pitch. He’s incredibly coachable and talented, and the only thing keeping him from being recruited heavier is because he is a smaller player.
Rolando Gonzalez, Arroyo, Junior, Striker
Gonzalez is a very humble player. He comes across as very quiet, but on the pitch he gets the job done. When something is asked of him, he is able to get it done. He’s a very fast player who has a knack for scoring goals and a nose for finding the back of the net.
Augustine Dominguez, Arroyo, Senior, Central Defender
Dominguez is a very strong player, and he’s very vocal on the pitch. His coach, Raul Herrera, calls him a “bad dog” in the most complimentary way, that is. He’s the team captain, he’s very surly on the pitch and he’s been a leader in the program since he was a freshman. He’s also a 4.0 student.
Jorge Serrano, Arroyo, Senior, Forward
Another versatile player who can play all over the pitch and can play on either side of the pitch. Serrano is a player that plays very hard, plays with heart, and leaves it all on the pitch.