LA Breakers 2007's fight through adversity

The LA Breakers boys 2007 team certainly faced their challenges. A sudden coaching change led to plenty of turmoil, and that led to changes on the roster. What it ended up boiling down to were players that believed in LA Breakers and what the goal of the club was. The entire fall of 2023 was dedicated to sorting out who was still bought in.   Some quality players did leave, but this availed a situation where the Breakers could find the right players for the team they wanted to be and they used the spring to gain trust, confidence and cohesion. With that, results started coming as well. The team ended up qualifying for the Champions League, along the way beating defending national champ San Diego Surf and had a road draw against a Pateadores side that won the league.   The team took all of that momentum with them to the ECNL playoffs in Del Mar at the end of June, and won three straight matches to win their group, beating XF out of Washington, SLSG out of Missouri and FC Tucson. The magical run ended with a closely contested 1-0 loss to Mustang FC in the knockout stages.   "This was a testament to the boys who stayed with it and honored the commitment to their team and the club," coach and boys director Tim Pierce said. "I have seen tremendous growth. The expectation for some people, when we lost a bunch of players, was that we were headed downhill with a recovery not likely. The expectation was to trust process and that there was an opportunity to sneak into the playoffs.   "The health of the remaining players, coaches, and families was absolutely tied our ability to not let the outside noise distract us and to focus on our performances and getting better. The growth of the team was massive. I'm talking mentality and attitude-wise and not even necessarily about soccer. Their soccer is very good and has improved as well, but the biggest growth I saw was a change is desire to train hard, being coachable, and being good teammates. That is what makes a team and then you can start to see results. As a director, this is the most encouraging component and takeaway from the season."   After such a successful season considering what transpired, this team should be one that is watched closely, scouted closely and recruited closely. There is very good momentum and a great feeling around this team after such a great bounce back and a great showing at the ECNL playoffs.   Every single player on the roster played a key role, and here are eight players who were extremely crucial.   [player_tooltip player_id='162038' first='Maximo' last='Cisneros'], Defender/Defensive Midfielder   Cisneros is incredibly versatile and is a player of huge importance for this 2007 Breakers team. He can play as a center back, as an outside back or move up to play the No. 6 spot. Cisneros has very good speed as he keeps up with outside forwards when he's playing as an outside back, and can beat center forwards down the pitch in order to help the defense keep shape. He's a smart player, who can break lines with his ability to move the ball and he can push up and be a threat when the moment calls for it.   Osvaldo Escobedo, Central Midfielder   Escobedo is central midfielder that offers great ability to possess and move the ball forward. He can create space with his ability to beat defenders and makes keeping the ball at his feet look easy. He has good vision, makes accurate passes and can go for goal from outside the area.   [player_tooltip player_id='7675' first='Grayson' last='Gilmore'], Keeper   Gilmore is a keeper with good size and shows the ability to cover his goal from post to post. He is a very good shot stopper, showing quick reactions and strong hands. He uses his size well to cover and close down angles. He's a keeper to watch from the 2025 class.   Kiki Greenhut, Keeper   Greenhut is a very solid, well-rounded keeper who is athletic and commanding. He is active in his box, will come for balls in the air and be brave as well as displaying vocal leadership.   Zack Lev, Attacking Midfielder   Lev is primarily a No. 10, but also drops back and plays the No. 6 as well. He is very proficient at both. As an attacking midfielder, Lev is clever and active. He attracts defenders well and plays a smart ball once he does. He operates well in space, showing confidence on the ball and the ability to make wise decisions.   Enzo Lopes, Midfielder   Lopes is a very solid midfielder with the versatility to play anywhere. He shows calm and composure on the ball to go with good technical skills and vision. He sees the game develop and displays a high soccer IQ, understanding how things are unfolding in front of him in the midfield.   Charlie McMillan, Defender   McMillan is an excellent athlete, and can play anywhere. He features as a midfielder or forward for Loyola High, but with the Breakers he plays in defense and is incredibly solid. He can play across the back line. He is a captain and leads the defense, and knows how to encourage and lead. He does not back down from attackers, plays physically and has good foot skills to go with it.   [player_tooltip player_id='8462' first='Owen' last='Shore'], Forward   Shore can play as a striker or a wide forward and is a true offensive threat. He can go at defenders, and beat them and shows his creativeness when in space. He shows great goal-scoring ability as he can create for himself or anticipate well and get on the end of a ball.

The LA Breakers boys 2007 team certainly faced their challenges. A sudden coaching change led to plenty of turmoil, and that led to changes on the roster. What it ended up boiling down to were players that believed in LA Breakers and what the goal of the club was. The entire fall of 2023 was dedicated to sorting out who was still bought in.