With 4 games under the belt of this young Rangers Soccer Team, the boys are going into the Harold S Young tournament with a 1-3 record.
By: Erik Rico
In the early pre-season play, we have seen a lot of good and bad from the Varsity Rangers. With a struggle to start the early season with losses to Buchanan (2-1) and Lindsay (3-0), the Rangers have started to play some better soccer with a huge 5-1 win over Tulare Union, but a tough 2-1 loss on Wednesday vs Clovis High.
Josgar Guerreo, ’27, a defender and center defensive midfielder for the Rangers started off the season with the first goal for the Rangers. He was ecstatic to get his first goal on for the Rangers, saying, “It felt good to score my first goal for Redwood soccer.” He is proud of the team through the first 4 games, but wants to improve on overall communication and intensity that the boys bring to the field.
Guerreo also knows he can get better as a player by, “Improving my finishing a little bit more, and talking and communicating better.” Guerreo also wants to continue to come closer and closer to a East Yosemite League (EYL) title, as well as competing for a Valley championship, and these preseason games are pivotal for the Rangers if they want that ultimate goal.
Justin Jimenez, ’25, is a center attacking midfielder and left wing for the Rangers. His impact on the team has been immense through the first few games, with Jimenez scoring 2 of the 5 goals vs Tulare Union. Jimenez also talks on communication and what it has meant for the Rangers, saying, “I like how our communication has been key for our game, we are all soccer players, so we know how we play and we know each others strengths and weaknesses.”
Jimenez speaks on how trust is going to be a huge factor for the Rangers as they start to get into the season, saying, “We need to improve on trusting each other and trusting ourselves, if we are stronger on the ball and trust our teammates, we will be a much better team.”
Jimenez and Andres Gutierrez, ’24, have been a great 1-2 punch for the Rangers offensively, with Jimenez having 2 goals on the season and Gutierrez putting up 3 goals of his own so far. Jimenez looks to keep himself in line with Gutierrez through the season, as he wants at least 10 goals and 15 assists and to also make first team EYL.
Jimenez is most looking forward to matching up against some familiar faces, as he says, “I’m looking forward to El D or Golden West, it’s always a good battle between us, with the inter-city rivalry and always knowing each other.” Last year, the Rangers came out undefeated vs El Diamante but were beaten in both matchups vs Golden West, so it will be interesting to see what happens this year in EYL play.
The Rangers will be playing in the Harold S Young tournament this weekend, where they will start off the tournament vs Ridgeview High School at 8:30 am
Erik Rico
Erik Rico '25, is a first year journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. He plans to live in the sports section hoping to cover all aspects of Redwood Athletics. His hobbies include baseball, football, and traveling. He looks forward to attending as many Ranger Athletic events as possible.
Tags: Erik Rico, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, Redwood Soccer, redwood sports
