The562’s high school soccer coverage for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Long Beach Poly soccer alum Kennedy Justin.
The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser and the Timu Foundation.
In his first year at Jordan, coach Andrew Nishimoto has a clear goal for the Panthers – get better every day.
Last season the Panthers finished in sixth place in the Moore League and picked up two of their three total wins against Compton in league play. However, for the first time in years Jordan had some consistency thanks to their new field being completed before football season, allowing the Panthers to practice in better conditions.
“We have set a team goal of making the playoffs, so ultimately, that is what we are going to try to do,” Nishimoto said. “Our other team goal is to create a culture of having a strong mindset. Jordan has traditionally struggled through the league season, so we want to make sure that regardless of wins or losses, we continue to strive to improve as a team and as a program.”
The Panthers will be led by their four captains: seniors Valeria Mejia and Julie Castro, junior Abigail Estrada and sophomore Uhitzayli Hernandez. Nishimoto also expects big contributions from juniors Crystal Beltran and Hailie Luna.
Along with the new facility, Nishimoto is Jordan’s third coach in four years and Estrada said the changes have helped the team turn the page to the future.
“It’s exciting that we have a new stadium that we’re able to play on this year,” Estrada said. “We’re ready for a new season with a new coach, a new beginning.”
With a new system, the Panthers will look to improve throughout the season and build on their non-league schedule to create their identity.
“We were incredibly proud that one of the team’s goals was to have a strong mindset, and we hope to see that play out throughout the season,” Nishimoto said. “We want to play with grit and use each game as a stepping stone to help the program excel.”
“Our goal as a coaching staff is to create a program that builds trust and accountability. We can’t control life outside of the soccer field, but we want to create an environment that allows these student athletes to see the best versions of themselves.
I’m looking forward to, like, the bonding and the relationships growing in our team. I’m looking forward to like, I feel like we’ve worked really hard for the new season this year. And we’re ready to like, push forward for playoffs and going all the way.
Jordan opened the season with 5-2 loss to against Paramount. It was the first of three games in three days for the Panthers as they host Lynwood today before traveling Anaheim on Thursday.
