In a stellar turnaround season from the previous year, St. Monica High School’s boys soccer team captured a tie for CIF’s Camino Real League championship with a final regular season win over Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary on February 11. The Mariners won 1-0 with a second half goal by Ajay Menon assisted by Christopher Meyer. The shut-out was recorded by keeper Winston Yang. With the win, the Mariners finished regular season league play 8-0-2, and are playoffs bound. Last year, the Mariners league record was 2-6-2, far short of playoffs contention.
“We are currently playing very well,” notes first year Head Boys Soccer Coach Sergio Diaz. “I credit great defense and a committed team.”
Junior, Reuben Ramirez, anchors the Mariners defense. Sophomore, Ajay Menon, anchors center mid-field, and senior, Christopher White leads the team in scoring up front. Junior Winston Yang, and sophomore, Christopher Meyer, share goal keeping duties ahead of the net. Additional starters include sophomore Carlos Flores, freshman Nick Sands, junior Kenny Double, sophomore Matthew Partyka, freshman Caio Carvalho, and senior Jesus Baquiax.
Completing the Mariners varsity squad are: seniors Edgar Castillo, Anthony Jondreau, Edwin Mejia, Ryan Montoya, and Evan Schunk; juniors Chris Peraza, Adrian Villasenor and Zachary Wilner; and, sophomore Sean Bowe.
Rimal Patel is the Mariners Assistant Coach and Christol McDonald is the team’s Athletic Trainer. Rick Bruce is St. Monica Athletic Director.
The Mariners tied for the league championship with St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, both with 8-0-2 league records. The teams played twice, and both contests ended in ties. Prospects for the St. Monica Boys Soccer program next year are bright. All but two of the Mariners starters are underclassman potentially eligible to return for the 2010 season.