It’s addition by subtraction for Compton boys’ soccer this season.
Coach Juan Reynoso cleaned house of some undedicated players from last year has almost an entirely new squad that’s shown a more unselfish approach can help build a program. He even has enough players to bring back the junior varsity team this year.
“Last year we had discipline and respect problems, and I’m building a program that’s centered around building young men.” Reynoso said. “So it’s exciting to see new faces getting used to each other and building chemistry.”
Leading the way for Compton will be co-captains Damion Morales and Jesse Flores. Morales will be playing center back and Flores will be in the midfield.
“(Coach) is trying to get us to a point where we know that we can be our best, and he’s mentally training us too,” Morales said. “We’re just trying to get to know each other and build a solid team. We’re united.”
“This group is disciplined and respects each other while understanding the importance of team,” Reynoso added. “That wasn’t the case last year. Everyone wanted to be the one who scored a goal, and after a while no one was scoring.”
This team also showed their dedication to soccer by joining the Compton cross country team as well.
“I told them, ‘Your job is to battle yourself and see if you can finish the race,’” Reynoso said. “I know who is going to fight through on the soccer field, and I know who is going to get tired.”
Striker Ronny Enrique and junior co-captain Robert Smith are two of the only returning players who can help facilitate the fast style that Reynoso wants to play. Sophomore goalkeeper David Silva Ochoa is also a returning starter.
“We have to trust each other and have faith in one another,” Morales said.
