Freshman goalkeeper Arturo Juarez stops tying goal against West Campus.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Of all the outdoor sports for Cordova High, boys and girls soccer have the toughest playing conditions. The weather is so challenging for this fast-paced sport with temperatures in the low 40s, high winds and even rain. The players compete hard during play that goes constantly up and down the playing field only stopping for penalty kicks, corner kicks, out of bound toss-ins, injuries and after a goal is scored.

Head Coach Eric MaCahon, in his 19th season at the helm, was ready to attack his last season in the Greater Sacramento League (GSL): the Lancers will be switching to the more competitive Metro League next year. As the GSL 23-24 season wraps up with only four more league matches to play, the Lancers find themselves currently sitting in 5th place with a 3-3-2 record, and 8-5-3 overall.

Coach Eric McCahon gives team halftime instructions during Florin match.

The season has been a bit of a challenge for the Lancers. According to Head Coach MaCahon, “It’s been an up and down season so far.” Cordova had a nice start with solid play in the beginning of the season during the non-league competition. Cordova had victories over Christian Brothers, Placer and River City. Once league started they hit a bit of a dip in form and got off to a slow start.

Coach MaCahon is still pretty optimistic of making it to the playoffs, especially after defeating West Campus by a score of  2-1 on Friday, January 19th. The Lancers will need to win their remaining four games of the season if a playoff appearance is going to be a possible reality.

Sophomore Emzar Lozhanidze prepares to make a long kick against West Campus.

Offensively, the team is led by a young sophomore forward, Emzar Lozhanidze. Senior Drake Garner has also provided a solid contribution, and with the return of senior forward Giovanni Reyes has provided their attack a much-needed spark. Seniors Mateo Munoz and Edgar Torres lead the way in a very strong midfield, along with the freshman talent of Misael Ceja-Rosas.

Defensively the Lancers are led by reigning defensive player of the year, senior Alejandro Jauregui. His play on the back line has made it very difficult for the opponents to get a shot off on goal. Other seniors performing at a higher level this season are Steven Myatt, Ricardo Vigil-Lepe, Christian Rodriguez and Wyatt Hartman. All four seniors have been very strong in multiple positions. Another young player with an incredible future is freshman goalkeeper Arturo Juarez. In the 2-1 victory over West Campus he dramatically stopped the tying shot on goal from a long free kick.

Senior Edgar Torres dribbles upfield against Florin.

Coach MaCahon is extremely proud of his team and very grateful for his coaching staff. His 19 years of coaching has always included a high degree of professionalism, confidence and enthusiasm.  When asked how the program is looking for next year, Coach MaCahon said, “We have an incredibly bright future with all of the young talent at both the JV and varsity level. I’m excited to move into the new Metro League starting next season”.

Senior Ricardo Vigil-Lepe battles for ball against Florin.

The last home game of the season, and what will also be Senior Night, will be on January 31st against Natomas. Game time is 6:30 p.m. for varsity and 4:30 p.m. for the JV game. Grab a warm jacket and come on out to cheer the boys on to victory. Go Big Red!