By SARAI LOPEZ VASQUEZ
The Tower
MANTECA – Late-night games and bus rides home. Grass stains. Sweat on your brow. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. The sound of music bellowing out of the back of the bus, marking the arrival of Los Bufalos.
The high school soccer season is just around the corner, letting Manteca High players swap their summer downtime for heavy training sessions and intense match days. The season brings more than just a change in schedules. It brings a shift in energy.
"The intensity of the season puts everyone in focused mode," sophomore midfielder Alberto Gomez said. “The homework and competition are always my main focus.”
Manteca boys soccer players Eliel Rosa (left) and Alberto Gomez (right) practice a goal celebration (Sarai Lopez/The Tower)
Those who have been playing pickup games and conducting small practices will soon dive into organized play and tactical training. The summer heat had faded, and that chill in the air, signals the start of the high school soccer season.
Manteca High will host its boys soccer tryouts from Nov. 2-4, from 3:45-5:30 p.m. in the stadium. Last season, Los Búfalos ranked among the best in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II with 11 total wins, though they missed the postseason for the second straight year. Despite that, the team was highly recognized by the Valley Oak League coaches, earning VOL Goalkeeper of the Year (Alberto Gutierrez) and Defensive Player of the Year (Mateo Esparza) honors, alongside several all-league nominations.
Returning players have helped set the competitive edge during the offseason workouts, which began in the spring. For many athletes, the preparation has been one way to stay sharp while maintaining their edge on the field.
Sophomore Eliel Rosa is a returning varsity player. He played his entire freshman season on varsity, serving as an impact player off the bench for head coach James Burns. Rosa has been one of the most consistent players in training as he prepares to take on a larger role with the varsity team.
"I'm starting to focus more on the training and the struggles that will come with it," Rosa said. " The start of the season makes me feel prepared."
Burns named several key aspects: physical ability, endurance, and mindset.
"Do they know how to play? Do they make good decisions? Can they understand a system in style of play?" These are questions Burns’ asks himself when looking for potential in a player.