Hancock Men's Soccer Opens Season Friday at Taft

With an arsenal of talented freshmen and a solid group of sophomores, the Allan Hancock College men's soccer team has high hopes for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs start the 2016 campaign Friday, August 26 at Taft College. The game will start at 4 p.m.

"We have been training together for months rather than weeks. The team, as a whole, is in the best physical condition at this point in time than in years past," said third-year Head Coach Billy Vinnedge. "The team is showing great discipline when it comes to ball touch, speed, chemistry and enthusiasm."

Five returning players anchor a team comprised mainly of freshmen who graduated last spring from Central Coast high schools. Forwards Jorge Guzman and Bernardo Rubio, as well as defender Federico Baldan, all sophomores, will serve as team captains. Sophomore midfielders Carlos Paredes and Javier Rios will also provide valuable experience. Guzman (6 goals), Rubio (3 goals), Baldan and Paredes (1 goal each) netted a combined 11 goals last year.

"I am really excited and pumped for this season," said Guzman, who tied for the team lead last year with six goals. "I feel we have started coming together as a family earlier than last year. We will be a much better team this season."

Guzman missed the second half of Western State Conference play last season due to a shin injury. He said he is at full strength and in great condition. Vinnedge said Guzman and freshman forward Migel Gomez will provide a dynamic duo for the Bulldog offense.

"Jorge is the complete package and so dangerous up top. He is one of the premier players in the conference," Vinnedge said. "Migel is another scoring threat. The two of them, combined with the speed and talent we have at midfield should be exciting to watch."

Gomez was a three-time All-League player at Cabrillo High School. He scored 20 goals and had 11 assists his senior year for the Conquistadores.

Vinnedge spoke highly of his midfielders, who include Paredes and Rios, as well as freshmen Ivann Flores, Luis Damian and Isaac Valdez.

"Our team is determined to make a difference this year and turn things around," said Valdez, a Pioneer Valley High School graduate. "I am so psyched and ready to play."

The battle for the starting nod continued into this week between a trio of goal keepers. Jose Cardenas, a Lompoc High School graduate; Elijah Herrera, an Arroyo Grande High School graduate; and former Righetti High star Maisen Baro are all freshmen.  

Hancock went 4-12-5 last season overall and 3-9-4 in conference.

Following the season opener, the Bulldogs will play three straight home matches starting Tuesday, September 30, against Pasadena City College. They will host College of the Sequoias Friday, Sept. 2, before welcoming West Hills Lemoore Tuesday, Sept. 6. All three matches will start at 4 p.m.