Cindy Hauserman brought together as many players as she could for another run at the state tournament.
“All the core group came back, except we only have three [players on the] bench,” said the head boys soccer coach at Sedona Red Rock High School. “We’ll just do with what we’ve got. We’ve got low numbers.”
That means no junior varsity this winter and a 14-player squad for all games. It simplifies travel but eliminates depth in the event of injury or academic ineligibility.
“That’s really my challenge,” Hauserman said. “Try and get everybody improving on their quality while addressing each level of player and avoiding injuries.”
Seven seniors return from the 14th-seeded Scorpions team that fell, 2-0, in the first round of the Division IV playoffs at Mingus Union High School last winter. If the team stays healthy, Hauserman believes it can not only return, but go deep.
“I still have a couple of holes to fill,” Hauserman said. “I’m still looking for chemistry, quality and consistency off the bench with the substitutes we do have. I want to fill a couple more starting roles the boys have been competing for this whole time.”
That includes two of the three captains from last year — Daniel Ruiz in goal and midfielder Jesus “Chuy” Estudillo.
Striker Francisco “Paco” Hernandez returns to drive the offense, while sophomore Julian Travaglia is battling for another starting forward spot.
Jerson Mendoza returns for his final season to join Estudillo and Ivan Aguilar at midfield, although Hauserman said that player positions are still evolving.
Senior Jordan Rivera joins sophomore Justin Wassell at the halfback position, while junior Joel Diaz is the point man on defense.
“We’ve got a couple freshmen with club experience, which is so helpful,” she said of Elias Turnbull and Clark Borjon. “I love club kids, but in Sedona, not all of these kids have been in the right place, right time to have the opportunity.”
Heading into the Scorpions’ season opener Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Veritas Preparatory Academy, work commitments have prevented seniors Corbin Pulido and Jesus Dominguez from providing help, even in a reserve role, at goalkeeper and in the midfield, respectively.
Hauserman will have the opportunity to rest a couple of players beginning Thursday, Dec. 11, at Arizona Lutheran Academy at the Coyotes Soccer Classic.
“Our attacking game is beautiful,” she said. “Our team defending is where we really need to be organized and communicate. There’s young kids that are just now getting to learn the principles. Our players are getting to know and trust each other. ”
For the full season schedule and more photos, please see the Wednesday, Dec. 3, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.
