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.
After years of practicing wherever space could be found, Jordan finally has a true home. The Panthers began training on their new on-campus turf field exclusively a couple weeks ago, a long-awaited upgrade that coach Juan Luna believes will reshape the program’s trajectory.
“We’ve had parts here and there over the years, but as far as facilities, it was only last week when we finally got onto the campus fields,” Luna said. “It’s way better than going anywhere else. Just practicing at home – it’s a big blessing.”
Jordan enters the season with a deeper and healthier roster than in recent years, a contrast to last season’s injury-ridden campaign that forced several seniors to the sideline and left the team scrambling for consistency.
“Last year we had higher expectations, but most of the seniors were hurt,” Luna said. “This year we’re solid. We finally have a complete team.”
The Panthers expect their experience in midfield to set the tone behind seniors Joshua Ramos and Max Mexa.
Looking to put the Panthers in front in forward spots are Manuel Garcia, Salvador Alvarado, Cesar Lopez and Miguel Gomez.
The only lingering concern is in goal, where Robert Bruno, last season’s starter, is still recovering from injury. Luna hopes to have him back within a month while Manuel Jimenez will start at goalie in the meantime.
“I want us to be offensive this year, a lot of pressing,” Luna said. “We’ve got a lot of kids, so that should work to our advantage.”
Senior winger and left back Meza, a four-year varsity player, believes this year’s group has the chemistry needed to return to the CIF playoffs.
“As long as we maintain our stability and stay healthy, I feel like we really have a great chance to make CIF,” Meza said.
For Meza, the new turf represents more than convenience – it symbolizes progress.
“It’s amazing to have a field finally after so many years,” he said. “We had another field, but it wasn’t the best. Now we have more resources.”
Meza hopes the Panthers’ experience and togetherness will help them compete in a Moore League that graduated several key players across multiple programs.
“I feel like this year a lot of the older players from other teams will be gone,” he said. “It’s not easier, but some problems are out of the way.”
The Panthers (1-0) got their season started with a win as they went on the road and defeated Bell Gardens, 2-1. Meza and Garcia both scored to help lift the team to the opening win.
They’ll be back in action at home against Lynwood on Friday. Jordan will open Moore League play when they visit Millikan on Jan. 9.
