Pleasant Grove looks to build off positive season
It did not end the way the Pleasant Grove High Eagles had hoped. By all intents and purposes it seemed as if the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs were in their sights. The Eagles went 11-5-2, tied for fourth in the very…
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Continue ReadingIt did not end the way the Pleasant Grove High Eagles had hoped. By all intents and purposes it seemed as if the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs were in their sights.
The Eagles went 11-5-2, tied for fourth in the very excellent Delta League, but a late season loss to Cosumnes Oaks, slipping them into a tie with the Wolfpack for that final spot, seems to have been enough to keep them out after losing three of four matches before that one.
However, Pleasant Grove had seven wins against playoff teams, five wins in a very good league that boasts Davis, one of the top teams in the State, and Jesuit, a traditional powerhouse. Despite that it was still left out.
The Eagles had made the SJS Division I playoffs in four of the first five years under Jon Restani, and this seemed to be one of the better teams, but with 16 underclassmen on this season’s roster, watch out for Pleasant Grove going forward.
Five players had standout years, three of them underclassmen.
Sebastian Cabrera, Senior, Attacking Midfielder
Cabrera is a player with great passing skills and is a great finisher. He has a great shot he can use from just about anywhere, and his vision leads to his ability to pick a pass. On top of being a scorer from distance, he is a great distributor.
Jayden Campos, Sophomore, Outside Defender
Campos can play all over the pitch, and stood out as a right back. He’s very good about finding open spaces, and shows good vision going forward. He makes great runs going into space as well, and as a defender he can shut down the other team’s winger.
Zachary Castrence, Senior, Midfielder
Castrence played centrally or played the attacking midfield for Pleasant Grove this season. He showed very good footwork and he is very good on the ball. He made great passes because he has great vision.
Matthew McHale, Junior, Central Defender
McHale has very good footwork for a central defender, and is incredibly fast. He helps the team transition forward and is very smart in picking a pass and helping connect the defense with the midfield.
Logan Race, Junior, Central Defender
Race paired with McHale in the back line and despite being a tall, lanky player, he showed great strength. He holds his position well, he has very good soccer instincts and does not back down. He is an incredibly athletic player as well.