A NCS goal

By Michael Zhao
Staff Writer

Basketball, the premiere sport of the winter season, often eclipses one team at Hercules High School. The soccer team usually takes a backseat to basketball.

Soccer has continually improved through the history of its existence at HHS. Each year the team is progressively better with its highest achievement last year qualifying for the North Coast Sectionals. This year’s could be even better.

“The team is strong this year, they are playing more as a group. Last year it was more individualistic,” said Ricardo Martin, the assistant coach of the varsity boys’ soccer team.

The team has played three games so far and is 1-2. They began by winning against Alameda High with a 4-0 shutout, then dropped their following two games to De Anza 1-0 and El Cerrito 2-1.

One drawback is the limited number of players - 14 - on varsity.

“I am happy for what we have right now, but I wish we could have more players,” said Coach Martin.

The head coach of the team this year is Valencio Poblano with Martin, the assistant. The goal is to qualify for NCS.

This year’s team will have to get used to the feel of the new artificial grass field. Since there will be no mud and the plastic, the ball travels faster. The team in turn will have to run and play more rapidly.

The coaches expect the team to take about a year to adapt to the new terrain.

“We are very happy with the field, although all the players complain about the [lack of] lights, we came from nothing and this is beautiful,” said Martin.

Returning players this year contribute to the team’s overall growth. The majority on the varsity team is composed of veterans.

Nine seniors bolster the ranks of the soccer team with their experience. Most have been playing soccer throughout high school.

Key players include goalie Daniel Diaz, midfielder Sergio Mendoza, and mid -fielder Ricky Martin. Some of the players have been together on various local teams for more than 10 years.

A major concern for the coaches is grades.

"With a small squad, everybody counts. We hope we will not lose anybody due to insufficient G.P.A.'s," said Coach Martin.

There are no exceptions to this rule. Without the grades the students cannot play. Coaches keep track of this through special reports the students have to get signed by their teachers.

High school soccer players always have trouble with the referees including the HHS soccer team.

“Everyone hates high school referees; they call the game too strict and give out yellow cards too often,” said Mike Salcido, fullback.

“There is nothing I am not happy with right now, but I know the team can improve a lot more,” said Coach Martin, “The school has supported us, Zak has helped a lot and the new field is good.”