Following an uncharacteristic season in 2017, the LAMC Men's Soccer team is ready to step back onto the field under the new leadership of first-year Head Coach Alberto Rosas.
Rosas, who was an assistant coach with the Eagles for four years prior to his promotion, has high hopes for the direction and discipline of his team. The vast majority of his athletes are personal recruits, with five returning sophomores – Andres Aguilar, Angel Cardenas, Elijah Patyk, Luis Almaraz, and Ruben Castillo – leading the way for the 20 freshmen.
"The five returners we have are very solid," Rosas said. "On the field they organize us, they get our rhythm going, and they hold the team accountable. Off the field it's the same thing; they set the standards for the rest of the group."
Rosas describes the freshman class as a hard-working group that, despite being young, is determined to make a statement.
With one scrimmage under its belt against Cypress, the team has gotten its feet wet and shown some potential with a 3-0 outing over the Chargers. Now approaching their first game of record against Santiago Canyon, the Eagles are looking to a fierce offense to carry them past the Hawks.
"Offense is one of our strengths; the way we build up and the movement that we create to give ourselves opportunities to score goals," Rosas said. He observes that their aggressiveness can also leave them vulnerable when they over-attack, and defense will be crucial as they develop throughout the season.
While the Eagles' ultimate goal is a playoff run, Rosas says they recognize their opportunity to build a legacy this year with equal emphasis on athletic performance and team culture.
"I want to focus on building a team for the future and setting a foundation for Mission College and its soccer program," Rosas said. "With a structure and some discipline and accountability, those things that we want to accomplish such as championships can then happen."
Assisting him this season are Gustav Gomez and Will Beard, who have years of combined experience playing and coaching at the club, college, and pro levels.
The coaching staff put together a competitive pre-season schedule to challenge its players and prepare them for Western State Conference opponents. Chaffey, Long Beach, and Rio Hondo, all 2017 playoff teams, await LAMC in September with home field advantages.
Within the WSC North Division, the Eagles will have to get past Santa Monica and Oxnard, both of whom made it to the 2nd round of Regionals last year, and Santa Barbara, who made it to the 3rd round, just one game shy of a State Championship appearance.
Rosas believes his players are up to the task ahead.
"We're here to play, and we're not the same team as last year," he said. "I think if the team believes in each other, believes in the leadership, and what they're being taught, then that gives us a good chance to win games."
The Eagles begins their season Tuesday, August 28, at home against Santiago Canyon College. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at the El Cariso Stadium.