The Sobrato boys varsity soccer team has chosen three captains
to help navigate them through the first-ever varsity season.
Morgan Hill – The Sobrato boys varsity soccer team has chosen three captains to help navigate them through the first-ever varsity season. Respect for other players, positive attitudes and a strong work ethic are qualities in Murillo Almeida, Sam Stoner and Shibin Thariyil that the rest of the team look up to.
“They work really hard,” said Bulldogs coach Ricardo Martinez. “They are the team leaders. They have respect for other players and bring positive attitudes.”
Almeida, a junior, will bring experience on the offensive side of the ball at the striker position. Stoner, also a junior, and Thariyil, a sophomore, will play in the defender position and provide the Bulldogs with a solid defense in front of the goal.
“I see it being a good season for the guys,” said Martinez. “We’ve been practicing really hard. We were looking really strong in the scrimmage last week. We should have at least a .500 season.”
Three freshman newcomers will add talent and skill in the midfield and in the defense for Sobrato. Midfielders Arturo Ceja and Jesus Delreal bring good ball control and distribution. Chris Sergent will be an asset for the defense with his speed and aggressiveness.
“For being young players they are very positive,” said Martinez.
Preventing injuries will be the biggest challenge the Bulldogs face in their inaugural season as they don’t have a lot of depth on the bench. To protect against the injuries, Sobrato coaches have been working hard with the substitutes on their individual skills and tactics.
“If we lose a couple of starters, it could be our downfall,” explained Martinez. “The group overall is very positive.”
The young Bulldogs face their first test today at the Homestead Cup in San Jose.
Bulldogs Boys team
2004-2005 Result
No varsity team
top Returnees
Murillo Almeida, Jr., S
Sam Stoner, Jr., D
Shibin Thariyil, So., D
top newcomers
Chris Sergent, Fr., D
Arturo Ceja, Fr., MF
Jesus Delreal, Fr., MF
Outlook:
In the Bulldogs first varsity season the biggest challenge will be preventing injuries to their starting players. Coach Ricardo Martinez is optimistic about the season and said they will protect themselves against injuries by working with the substitutes on their individual skill and tactics. Martinez forsees at least a .500 record this season.
2005-2006 Sobrato Boys Soccer Schedule
Date Time Opponent Where
11/26 TBA Homestead Cup San Jose
12/02 3:00p St Francis St Francis
12/03 TBA Homestead Cup San Jose
12/15 3:30p Salinas Sobrato
01/10 3:30p North Salinas N. Salinas
01/12 3:30p Hollister Sobrato
01/17 3:30p Palma Salinas
01/19 3:30p Live Oak Sobrato
01/24 5:30p Gilroy Gilroy
01/28 10:00a Salinas Salinas
01/31 3:30p North Salinas Sobrato
02/02 3:30p Hollister Hollister
02/04 10:00a Palma Sobrato
02/07 3:30p Live Oak Live Oak
02/09 3:30p Gilroy Sobrato
