San Rafael getting hot at the right time
On January 17th, after uncharacteristic losses to Branson and Novato in Marin County Athletic League play, the San Rafael boys team found themselves at 5-7-1 and with an uncertain North Coast Section playoff outlook. The Bulldogs bounced back with three…
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Continue ReadingOn January 17th, after uncharacteristic losses to Branson and Novato in Marin County Athletic League play, the San Rafael boys team found themselves at 5-7-1 and with an uncertain North Coast Section playoff outlook.
The Bulldogs bounced back with three draws against good teams, and have not lost since, winning four straight. The most impressive being a 3-2 win over the No. 1 seed in the NCS Division III playoffs.
No. 9 San Rafael scored three goals in the final five minutes, including the game-winner with under a minute to go, to beat top-seeded Marin Academy and move on to Tuesday’s semifinal against Ukiah.
For the Bulldogs, there was never a question in their minds they could do something special in the postseason, and now they are one win away from a section title match appearance.
“That’s all I was thinking about. I was thinking I have been going at it for four years and have not been able to win the MCAL or NCS,” San Rafael senior captain Angel Hidalgo said. “So all I am thinking is don’t give up and help my team not lose hope. So every practice and every game we tell each other play like it is a final. We say work for the team and work for each other. I think we are on the road to do something special, we just have to keep working for each other.”
Hidalgo scored all three goals in the win over Marin Academy, including the game-winner with about 30 seconds left and when the final whistle blew, it was euphoria for San Rafael.
“It felt unreal, honestly,” Hidalgo said. “But at the end of the game I thought I was dreaming.”
Hidalgo scored the first two goals of the match, both after the 75th minute, on penalties. The Wildcats immediately scored two goals to level the match, but Hidalgo would not let his team lose hope.
“I’m thinking to myself, ‘no, this isn’t going to be our last game’,” Hidalgo said. “So I pick my team back up and say ‘get your heads up, we’re gonna finish strong’.”
Fighting through calf cramps, Hidalgo stepped up to take a free kick, thinking it was his chance to win the match, and buried it through a crowd as it took a little deflection, as he and his teammates ran to the bench and celebrated with everyone on the roster.
Despite the slow start to the season, the Bulldogs, including coach Edgar Hernandez, did not lose faith despite the early struggles.
“It was a slow start and we’d like to think it was growing pains,” Hernandez said. “This year was a rebuild year for us in the sense that we had eight returners, lots of first time varsity players including 13 underclassmen. It was tough to get everyone on the same page during the first few games. However, the coaching stuff also knew we had a great group and our task was to get the best out of each of them and to come together as a family.”
And through the setbacks, the mission was to react positively and keeping aiming to get better. The team came to practice with intensity and worked hard to turn things around.
“I think the back-to-back losses to Novato and Branson really got to us,” Hernandez said. “Since that moment we’ve treated every game as a final. Those games were really tough and deeply tested our foundation. We are grateful the boys reacted so well and got back on track.”
San Rafael righted the ship, went into the playoffs with a full head of steam and felt like they could make a run once they started.
“There was a good feeling leading into the playoffs,” Hernandez said. “We weren’t sure what to expect, to be honest, but we knew we were going to play our hearts out and make the best out of it.”
The Bulldogs have had many key performers this year, and here are five players who have played key roles.
Chris Baten, Keeper, Class of 2024
Baten stepped in when the starter got hurt and has not lost his grasp on the starting spot. He has been influential in every game and has helped keep the team in many games with huge saves.
Teo Cristea Teo Cristea F CA , Defender, Class of 2025
Cristea is a great athlete and on top of that great athleticism he is a very hard worker. He is very good in organizing the defense and making sure everyone gets back and gets into position, and he will help cover his teammates if they find themselves caught out.
Sam Gonzalez, Defender, Class of 2024
Gonzalez is a straight up competitor. He puts it all on the line in every match and will make sure to leave it all on the field, playing with energy, passion and pride.
Angel Hidalgo, Defensive Midfielder, Class of 2024
Hidalgo is a four-year varsity player and just what you’d call a soccer player. He plays with class, and he plays with grace. He has really good technique, can dribble to get out of pressure and can create an advantage in the midfield. He can ping a pass with either foot and put it on a dime, even from 40 yards out. He has a great shot when he gets the opportunity. He is great tactically as he understands his rule and influences the game in all phases. He is a captain, a leader and a respectful, hard-working young man.
Bryan Yash, Defender, Class of 2024
Yash is the leading defender for the Bulldogs and is a very composed player. He has brought a tranquility to this young roster and has brought experience to a group that needed it.