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Cougars making a strong statement on the pitch



Esco captain Eric Sanchez (8) has the capability of lifting his team with both his play and positive attitude. Photo by Lenny Kerbs

Don’t look now but the Escondido High boys’ soccer team is making lots of noise once more.

And if matters keep trending in the direction they’re currently headed, coach Michael Mendoza’s club could very well threaten to evoke memories of the 2019-20 Cougar squad – a superlative team that went 18-4-5 and advanced all the way to the Division III finals before suffering a gut-wrenching 2-1 overtime loss to Patrick Henry.

Considering that Esco has had to deal with its share of coronavirus issues, injuries and only recently returned some key personnel that had been heretofore unavailable, what the Cougars have accomplished to date is quite remarkable.  

For example, their 7-1-3 record is a glossy one with Esco’s only defeat coming back on December 9 when Mission Vista nipped the Cougs by a count of 2-1. Among the more notable Escondido efforts have been triumphs over highly-regarded foes Oceanside (2-0) and Vista (3-1) as well as earning hard-fought ties versus stout opponents such as local rival San Pasqual (1-1) and Francis Parker (2-2). The Cougars also own a satisfying 3-1 victory over another nearby neighbor in Orange Glen.

Moreover, the Cougs have clearly demonstrated that not only can they find the net having scored 28 overall goals – six times tallying three or more – but they’ve also been very stingy on the other end, yielding just 14 scores thus far.

When taking into account all the factors that his team has had to confront, not to mention a very testing non-league schedule, Mendoza finds plenty over which to be encouraged. “We’ve done pretty darn well,” says EH’s varsity coach of four years. “I’m excited about where this could go and the kids are really excited too. And what’s more, we’re kind of rolling right now.”

Undefeated in five outings since that lone defeat, the Cougars have caught fire offensively in their previous two games, having potted a collective six goals versus Westview and Grossmont. And indicative of the club’s overall balance and firepower, five Esco players have shared in that output with gifted Cesar Bahena leading the way with a pair of scores. 

But as good as the offense has been, it’s Esco’s defensive prowess that has made the team truly special up to now. Ask Mendoza what’s the strength of his club and he readily points out how the Cougs focus on locking down opponents, refuse to cede any turf and make sure that foes realize they are going to be in for a rough go whereby nothing comes easy. Ensuring that his Cougars have a strong defensive identity is Mendoza’s first and foremost priority.

Without a doubt, spearheading the defense and greatly responsible for blunting enemy attacks have been a pair of smart and hardnosed defenders in captain Diego Rios and Angel Cortez. Fast, difficult to beat and a player who bedevils opponents with his harassment, Rios has been an absolute stalwart. As for the experienced Cortez, though he is skilled enough to play any position on the field, his excellence at the defensive end has become his calling card. 

Cougar Diego Rios (15) is a dogged defender who’s tough to beat.
Photo by Lenny Kerbs

Another key component to Esco’s enviable defensive success has been the production it has received from a trifecta of goalies, sophomore Rafael Mendoza and the freshmen duo of Tyson Rachedi and RJ Ramirez – all of them 6-feet or over. Because of his immense trust and belief in all three of his netminders, coach Mendoza has no qualms about sharing or splitting time with each of them. 

A confident athlete with a knack for rising to the occasion, Rachedi has seen action in nine games with three wins to his credit. As for the other frosh, Ramirez has displayed a strong mental makeup and fearlessness during his eight game, two-win stint. And as of late, Mendoza – who is great with his feet and shows keen awareness – has racked up two wins in as many contests.

But Esco’s talent and wealth of personnel goes much deeper. In outside midfielder/striker and leading scorer Yahir Diaz – who has authored five goals and eight assists – the Cougs have a sublime talent who is quick, superb with both feet, adept at going one-on-one and is seemingly everywhere on the pitch.   

Ryan Linares is another attacking midfielder with a nice scoring touch (5G) who excels at headers and is particularly good around the box.

Meanwhile, a case can be made that forward/captain Cesar Bahena might be Esco’s most dangerous player. Heady, speedy and able to cleverly outmaneuver opponents, there’s really nothing this seasoned senior can’t do. Mendoza feels that Bahena has genuine Valley League Player of the Year capability.

Then there’s Sergio Ramirez, a 5’9” center midfielder who can control things with his possession skills and then neatly transition at the point of attack.

Versatile Alfredo Reyes can not only defend but he’s armed with a hard shot that he can unleash with either foot.

And certainly worthy of notice is another captain Eric Sanchez (3G), an aggressive, fleet-footed athlete who never gives in and literally can lift his team with his inspiring attitude. 

One could be forgiven for thinking that because of the sheer numbers, some members of Escondido’s 26-man, senior-dominated roster see scant action and that their impact might be somewhat inconsequential. But nothing could be further from the truth. 

Because of factors like fatigue, attrition, injuries, the specter of covid and much more, Mendoza has made it a point of emphasis to prepare and play everybody. “I’ve got confidence in all those guys,” says Mendoza. “I count on the whole roster. We’ve got a team where we all believe in one another. Everyone is making a real contribution in the games.”

With the non-league portion of their schedule having run its course, the Cougars are now gearing up for the start of Valley League play, which will commence this week with tilts against Fallbrook and Ramona, arguably two of the circuit’s better teams. 

But based upon recent results, Esco looms as a topflight contender having gone 12-4-4 over the last two seasons in the VL, copping a circuit championship just last spring. “Our goals always include winning league,” says Mendoza. “It kind of starts from there.” 

And if all goes well, that may be just the beginning. Knowing that his team is populated by plenty of experienced players who were legitimate contributors to that CIF runner-up squad of two years ago, Mendoza senses another strong playoff push could be in the offing. “Absolutely, we’re capable of doing something like that again,” he says, though this time it will have to come against Division II competition.

Indeed, with their splendid play to date, the Cougars are clearly one of the hottest teams in the County. Without question, they’re making a most convincing statement on the pitch.

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