By LOU MARTIN
The Progress
The Virgin Valley High School Boys’ Soccer team got off and running last week. The program has undergone many changes since last season.
Firstly, the VVHS Administration should be complimented on hiring former Bulldogs soccer alumnus Junior Flores as head coach. Abel Trujillo is serving as Flores’ assistant coach.
Flores graduated from VVHS in 2007 after playing soccer three out of his four high school years. He played under then-coach Bob Challinor.
In addition to that, Flores has played in club soccer leagues since he was 14 years old both in Las Vegas and in southern Utah. That has been continuous to this day. Flores continues to play in a club league in St. George and he has also coached many club teams throughout the years.
Coaches Flores and Trujillo have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for Bulldog soccer. Their theme for this year is ‘structure.’
They were instrumental in moving varsity games to 6pm under the lights. They are also bringing back some striking soccer sportswear for family and fans. Hopefully Bulldog green will be seen throughout the stadium.
On the first day of practice, Flores and Trujillo greeted 29 players. They expect more to possibly join shortly to fill all of the varsity and J.V. positions.
Included in the mix were 9 veterans from last year’s team.
It was a tough season for the Dawgs. The 2021 varsity team managed only 2 victories on the season. But Flores sees that as a ground to build upon.
“We are about structure and disciplined play on both sides of the ball,” said Flores. “Every movement with the ball will be handled by specialists who perform goal kicks, corner kicks etc.”
Flores said that the team will build flexibility into its startegy, with the ability to set the offense and defense based on the competition.
“We will be running a 4-3-3 scheme moving as a team,” he said.
The Bulldogs are counting on 3 freshmen and a sophomore to add some scoring punch to the team. Freshmen Andrea Duran, Alberto Jimenez, Joaquin Ramirez and sophomore Jorge Villalobos will be manning the important forward/striker positions. All bring club ball experience to the team.
Daniel Isidro will be holding down the box backed by Karson Garrett.
Assistant coach Trujillo will be coaching the J.V. squad. He emphasized players will be moving between the teams as needed.
The Dawgs will be counting on veterans Joshua De Santiago, Francisco Alvarez, Isaias Trujillo, Johnatan Trujillo, James Medina, Andrew Muniz, seniors Isacc Flores-Cortez and Antonio Juarez Barumen experience to lead the younger players.
The Bulldogs will open their season at Pahrump Valley on August 25.
They will then be hosting Boulder City on August 29 at 6 pm in the Dawg Pound.
The Bulldogs will be hosting the Moapa Valley rivals on Sept. 12 at 6 pm.
It will be a great year for soccer in the Virgin Valley along with the World Cup beginning in October.
VVHS Boys Soccer 2022 Season Schedule
JV / V
Aug 26 4 / 5:30 PM Pahrump
Aug 29 4:30 / 6 PM Boulder City
Aug 31 5 / 3:30 PM Sky Pointe
Sep 06 4:30 / 6 PM SLAM
Sep 12 4:30 / 6 PM Moapa Valley
Sep 14 4:30 / 6 PM Cheyenne
Sep 20 4 PM Equippo
Sep 22 6 / 4:30 PM Basic
Sep 28 4:30 / 6 PM Pahrump
Oct 06 4:30 / 6 PM Sky Pointe
Oct 11 5 / 3:30 PM SLAM
Oct 17 4:30 / 6 PM Moapa Valley
Oct 19 5:30 / 7 PM Cheyenne
Oct 25 6 PM Equippo
Oct 27 4:30 / 6 PM Basic
Nov 1-5 Regionals
Nov 11 State North
Home games in bold
Schedule subject to change without notice
