Arlington boys representing IE, have high expecations
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The Inland Empire region of California is not an area that receives a lot of attention in the high school soccer world, but the Arlington High boys team has already started changing that. After a historic 22-1-1 season a year…
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Continue ReadingThe Inland Empire region of California is not an area that receives a lot of attention in the high school soccer world, but the Arlington High boys team has already started changing that.
After a historic 22-1-1 season a year ago, one that saw them reach the Southern Section Division I quarterfinals and narrowly lose to Citrus Hill, the Lions are back and, and are so with a vengeance. They have started the season a perfect 7-0, outscoring their opponents 34-1, which includes a 1-0 win over Citrus Hill, getting a bit of payback while winning the Citrus Hill Winter Classic.
Needless to say, this season’s Arlington team is thinking big.
“Every year we set the goals of trying to bring home one tournament, championship, one league title and a playoff berth to our campus,” head coach Kevin Watson said. “This year we have thankfully already accomplished our first goal.”
It is the third consecutive season that Arlington has won the Citrus Hill tournament. Also, the playoff berth goal comes with a twist as the Southern Section has introduced an Open Division. Arlington’s goal is to make those playoffs. At this point, it seems the goal of lifting a trophy at the end of those playoffs is in the range of outcomes.
This, of course, would be a boost of epic proportions to the Inland Empire.
“We are fully aware that the Inland Empire is generally a region that is not always recognized on the Division I high school soccer scene,” Watson said. “But over the past few years, it is starting to gain steam with a number of successful programs in our community and our hope is to continue that success in the open playoff structure.”
Instead of longterm goals, the Lions are taking this season one day at a time, using the mantra “tomorrow is never promised” to focus instead on the task at hand. The team is senior heavy, has experience and a track record and they know they are good, but they remain focused on the match in front of them and hope the chips fall in their favor come February.
The early returns, though, have been great. The team has looked the part and will be a handful for any team it faces the rest of this season, including in a competitive River Valley League and when the Southern Section playoffs roll around.
“Early on we have been extremely impressed with our defensive principles and ability to implement our desire to press and counter-press relentlessly throughout the duration of the match,” Watson said. “We started the season with six straight clean sheets and the boys have truly started to raise the standard from the start, which is a sign that our senior class has learned from their experience as four-year players.
The Lions are returning eight key seniors, and also have a very key sophomore contributor to this very special group.
Jacob Arellano, Midfield, Senior
Arellano is a four-year varsity started and is a key to the Arlington style of play. The Lions like to play a possession-based style as he has excellent foot and technical skills, allowing him to control the ball well and allow for Arlington to keep a hold of it.
Salvador Carrillo, Forward, Senior
Carrillo is another four-year starter for the Lions and is a talisman for the team. He is a true goal scorer, and is pushing his way up the school record books. He has a lethal left foot as he can shoot from distance and with power.
Jacob Edgar, Central Defender, Senior
Edgar is a key player for the Lions and a mainstay on the defensive line. A central defender that can also play outside, Edgar has good size at 6-1, is not afraid to be physical and make a challenge and acts as a leader.
Hugo Gomez, Forward, Sophomore
Gomez is a prodigious sophomore who is likely the best 10th grader in the IE region. He is the only underclassmen in the starting eleven for Arlington. He can possess as well as an older player and has excellent attacking skills as well.
Javier Hernandez Javier Hernandez F CA , Forward, Senior
Hernandez returning to the Arlington program was quite a boon. He is returning from the LAFC Academy program, and his experience allows him to bring professionalism and maturity. He is a great target player in the box and is a lethal player in the final third.
Tyler Hylton, Defensive Midfielder, Senior
Hylton might be the most impactful No. 6 in the region. He is a four-year varsity player and returning starter who can truly do it all, even from a deeper position. He is a great defender, and is also quite good in helping build, and joining, the attack.
Diego Martinez Diego Martinez GK CA , Keeper, Senior
Martinez is the returning started between the posts and started every match last year as a junior. He is experienced not only because of that, but because he grew up learning from his older brother who was the starting keeper on the 2019 Division II championship team. Martinez is a solid keeper who can make all the saves, and plays brave.
Jesus Palma, Midfield, Senior
Chucho, as he is known, is the type of midfielder who can do it all. He is the heartbeat of the midfield, possessing an engine that does not shut off and puts relentless pressure on the ball.
Hector Ramirez, Defender, Senior
Ramirez is the heartbeat and leader of the defensive line. He sets the tone with his energy and his spirit, acting as both a physical and verbal leader for the Lions.