The San Benito High boys soccer team knows no one expects it to finish among the top three teams in the Monterey Bay League’s Gabilan Division, which would earn it an automatic berth into the Central Coast Section playoffs. That’s just fine to the Haybalers, who won the third-place game of the prestigious Homestead Cup Tournament last Saturday.
“The team’s goal is to make CCS and get past the first round,” senior defender Luis Coronado said. “And we believe we can do it. We’re in a lot better shape this year, and we work better as a team compared to last year. I think the chemistry is a better fit this year.”
The Balers have confidence because of players like the 5-foot-5, 125-pound Coronado, who isn’t likely to scare anyone with his physical appearance. However, Coronado plays much bigger than his size, often winning 50-50 balls against opponents and displaying constant vocal leadership.
But knowing soccer is arguably the ultimate team game, Coronado wants all of his teammates to communicate often.
“It’s not just me that has to talk on the field just because I’m the captain,” he said. “Everyone on the field has to be a leader. I’ve never been the biggest guy, but I can sure be the mightiest.”
It’s that type of attitude that has propelled Coronado to a starting position since his sophomore year. Coronado has a team-first attitude—he only talked about himself when pressed by a reporter while raving about his teammates, including the outstanding play of Mauricio Arevalo, William Castellanos, Abraham Arevalo and goalkeeper Erick Rosado, who has looked strong in the place of the injured Mickel Rojas.
“William is a really strong leader for us in the back,” Coronado said. “Abraham sees the field well and makes things happen. And Erick is doing pretty good for us and making some good saves.”
Coronado anticipates the ball well, reads plays and does an excellent job of trying to get everyone on the same page. Even if Coronado feels he’s on top of his game, he never gets overconfident.
“I always feel there’s room to improve,” he said. “I never really feel satisfied with how I play.”
Coronado started his soccer career as a midfielder before transitioning to defender.
“I really embraced playing defender,” he said. “I can see the whole game from the back, and I’m able to help the team and be a leader there.”
Coronado was pumped that the team was able to advance to the third-place game of the Homestead Cup, a tournament the Balers don’t typically do well in. Despite missing six players, San Benito somehow managed to come away with a 1-1 draw with Mountain View, a perennial section heavyweight.
“Last year we didn’t place at all, so I think this shows we’re a better team,” he said. “Now we just have to keep on playing together to keep this up.”
