Michael Warner’s three-year plan is ready for the ultimate test.
Hollister High’s boys soccer coach, in his third season at the
helm, feels his team is ready to contend for a league title.
Michael Warner’s three-year plan is ready for the ultimate test.
Hollister High’s boys soccer coach, in his third season at the helm, feels his team is ready to contend for a league title.
The Balers, who had to scramble at the last minute for preseason games, are 3-0-1, though one of the wins was a forfeit over Del Mar.
“We’re a better team this year than last year,” said Warner. “We’re not big, nor as physical as last year, so our players have to understand the two-touch system. We want to take advantage of our speed. We don’t want to carry the ball. We want to pass it quickly, create space, then get a shot on goal. We need to have more shot attempts this year.”
The Balers open up Tri-County Athletic League play next Friday at home against Live Oak at 3:30 p.m. Warner rates the Acorns and Gilroy as the two teams to beat.
Of course, the Balers, who didn’t allow a goal in the preseason, will be in the hunt. This team has the potential to be the school’s best ever and reach the Central Coast Section playoffs for the first time since 1983. Hollister has never won a CCS boys soccer match, having gone 0-3.
“This team has a quiet confidence,” said Warner. “They know they have the potential to win the TCAL. They believe that nobody can beat them.”
Warner is sold on his defense, which could be the best in the league. Here is a breakdown on the Baler personnel with added comments from Warner:
Goalie – Jorge Medina (jr.) A three-year starter, Medina has a chance to be the first ever four-year starter in goal for the Balers. He is one of three captains on the Balers team. “Jorge can be an all-league goalie for us this year. He’s ready.”
Stopper – Mario Zaragoza (sr.) Zaragoza made the switch from offense to defense this season. “Mario made the ultimate sacrifice. He didn’t want to play defense, but he’s the reason we are so much better this year. He’s faster than he was last season and sees the field so well. He has that forward mentality so he can move the ball downfield to the other players quickly. Then there are times when defenses slack off of him and he can take the ball all the way and get a solid shot on goal.”
Sweeper – Ernesto Lostanau (Jr.) A tri-captain and a First Team All-League returner. “Ernesto is bigger and quicker than last year. He’s outstanding.”
Outside defenders – Ivan Rojas (sr.) and Willie Sanchez (jr). “Willie is bigger so other teams have tried to attack Ivan. Big mistake. Ivan is wonderful at taking the ball away. He’s fast in transition and is a good passer. Willie plays on the edge. He’ll fight for the ball. He’s the fastest player on the team and has good body strength.”
Center midfielder – Gerardo Lostanau (sr.) and Jorge Lopez (jr.). Warner rotates the two. Gerardo is a tri-captain. “Gerardo uses both feet well. Jorge is strong with the ball. They’re interchangable.”
Outside midfielders – Pablo Andrade (sr.) and Daniel Laguna (so.) Elias Barocio, who would be a starter, is out with a separated shoulder and might have surgery soon. “Pablo is very smart and hustles well. He was great with Elias because they hustled to the ball. Daniel brings a nice element to the game. He’s a smooth ballhandler and makes good decisions. He’s been tough for other teams to deal with.” Laguna is also the backup goalie.
Center forward – Nick Vandenberg (sr.) “He’s so tall that other teams double-team him. That opens it up for our outside forwards. Nick is good at creating space and getting a shot off.”
Left forward – Brian Vargas (sr.) The first Baler to make the Olympic Development Pool. He’s the leading scorer on both teams. “We’re building the team around Brian’s ability to score. He’s probably our best player, but we want him to shoot more.”
Right forward – Isidro Trujillo (sr.) The individual league champ in cross-country. Trujillo leads the team in assists. “He’s great at a crossover move. He turns it into another gear and can go right by guys.”
Warner likes having seniors up front.
“They don’t get rattled if things go wrong,” said Warner. “They have a lot of speed and our gelling together.”
Off the bench, Warner goest to junior transfer Jonathan Alouso, who had two goals in one of the Baler victories. Alouso is playing center forward, spelling Vandenberg.
“He’s a big, strong kid,” said Warner of Alouso.
Victor Rosales is a junior halfback who hustles and can use both legs on the ball.
“He has a great shot,” said Warner.
The strongest shot on the team belongs to Alfredo Arredondo, a junior who can play forward or defense. Junior John Hansen is another player Warner can count on to create on the pitch.
The Balers are scheduled for two night games – vs. North Salinas on Feb. 4 and vs. Palma on Feb. 11.
TCAL Schedule
(All games start at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)
Jan. 10 – Live Oak
Jan. 15 – at Gilroy
Jan. 17 – at North Salinas
Jan. 20 – Salinas
Jan. 23 – vs. Palma at Salinas Sports Complex
Jan. 28 – at Live Oak
Feb. 1 – Gilroy, 12 p.m.
Feb. 4 – N. Salinas, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 – at Salinas
Feb. 11 – Palma, 5:30 p.m.
