YUMA, AZ - As the temperature lowers, the fires of intense determination rises again from the hearts of the Yuma High boys soccer team.
After having a winless 2015-16 season, the Criminals are ready and driven to prevent that from happening this year. Their biggest goal, according to the head coach Juan Lerma, is to win every game they have this year and make a name for themselves.
“I expect us to be competitive and to be recognized in the city,” Lerma said, “which I don’t think we get that reputation.”
While the Criminals did suffer a 1-0 loss to the Calexico Bulldogs in their Nov. 29 season opener, they have been making strides in improving since the winter sports season started. While the list of improvements is long for the Criminals, they expect to stay determined and keep working towards their goal as they know it will eventually be nonexistent with enough practice and teamwork.
“I think we should work on a little bit of everything,” Lerma said. “We need to be disciplined when we are playing the game tactically. So, we need to just work on every aspect of the game.”
Mario Ramos and Brandon Cervantes are expected to play important roles for the Criminals, especially as leaders, according Lerma. The first-year coach mentioned that they are the most qualified, among others, to lead the team towards their goals. Lerma is very expectant of the Criminals, and he feels that with enough practice, they will put an end to their rough streak.
The Criminals next play on Dec. 8 against the San Luis Sidewinders at 6:30 p.m.
