Seven players that could decide San Diego’s Open Division

The Open Division in the California Interscholastic Federation’s San Diego Section did not have any surprises in the first round as the top four teams advanced, creating a who’s who of a final four. Top-seeded Torrey Pines, ranked 13th in the country, topped Cathedral Catholic in the first round to advance to a date with fourth-seeded and eighth-ranked Coronado, while No. 2 San Pasqual got past Eastlake and No. 3 St. Augustine got past Point Loma. For the Golden Eagles, they know they have work to do to get past the Saints and reach the Open Division final. "We have to be really organized defensively," San Pasqual coach John Burson said. "Saints are athletic and have a lot of players that can cause problems. Offensively we need to convert our chances. We have a lot of speed and energy in the attacking area and have to put our opportunities away. Burson feels good about where the team is right now and that is a big reason why they have got this close to the Open Division final. "The team chemistry is excellent," Burson said. "The boys have a great connection with one another. They really enjoy every training and game. We have a good balance of defensive toughness and offensive creativity and players are willing to work hard on both sides of the ball." For Saints, they know that they are going up against a very talented foe, one that beat them in the semifinals in penalties just a season ago. "They are very organized and well-coached," St. Augustine coach Brendon Johnston said. "They have an extremely talented goalkeeper and center back. We need to be patient and thoughtful in the final third of the field." Torrey Pines has a good thing going for it right now but has its hands full against a very good Coronado. In order to get past an opponent who is playing as well as anyone, Torrey Pines will have to call on its depth and teamwork to reach the finals. "The team has a solid base of players who play together and understand each other," Torrey Pines coach Andy Hargreaves said. "There are five-to-seven players who can score in any game. We are blessed this year. The game acumen and experience of our seniors is strong and that has helped to guide the group." <strong>Alexis Aparicio, San Pasqual, Senior, Forward</strong> The top attacking threat for the Golden Eagles, Aparicio has been a threat all season long. He is very technically sound, but also very creative, putting defenses under a lot of stress when the ball is at his feet. He is a fierce competitor that never stops working. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8743" first="Tye" last="Barton"], Torrey Pines, Senior, Central Defender</strong> Barton has developed into a leader for TP, and not just by example as he has become more vocal as the season has gone on. He is a strong defender, but he is also quick, can possess the ball and distribute as well, helping build the attack from the back. <strong>Santiago Gallego, St. Augustine, Senior, Central Midfielder</strong> A four-year letterman, Gallego is a big part of why the Saints won their fourth straight Western League title. Gallego is a very talented player, who works hard, controls the ball and pace of play well but on top of that is a very strong leader. <strong>Rey Millan, San Pasqual, Senior, Midfielder</strong> Millan is what you would call an X-factor for the Golden Eagles. He is coming back from an injury and is a boost for them. He has tremendous ability as shown by the overtime winner he had against Eastlake in the 4-3 win and has the ability to make a huge impact on the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8244" first="Mateo" last="Pacelli"], Torrey Pines, Senior, Attacking Midfielder</strong> The Bowdoin-bound player is a true No. 10 and a coaches dream at that spot. He loves to go forward and has a nose for goal. He is a true playmaker, and though he can score great goals, he is also tremendous at creating opportunities for his teammates. <strong>Michael Patterson, St. Augustine, Senior, Central Defender</strong> Patterson is also a four-year letterman for Saints, and is the second part of the duo that is a huge leadership influence on this team. Patterson is the anchor of the back line, keeping the defense organized. He is a very good defender in 1v1 situations, he’s good in the air and is not afraid to make a challenge. <strong>Tanner Wrzeski, San Pasqual, Senior, Keeper</strong> Wrzeski is the top-class keeper that Johnston was referring to and is one of the best in the section, if not all of Southern California. He is a four-year starter with great size and athleticism. He has great instincts, sees the angles well, and is a great shot stopper.