All-Madera Tribune Boys Soccer
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera South captain Christian Garcia earned his second straight All-Madera Tribune Most Valuable Player award after leading the Stallions on an historic season that ended with a Valley Championship and a CIF State NorCal Championship.
Most Valuable Player
Christian Garcia
Sr. Mid Madera South
Once again, Christian Garcia is the MVP of the All-Tribune team. Garcia had 27 goals and 25 assists in what was an historic season for the Madera South boys soccer team, and the school. Garcia’s leadership and skillset on the pitch allowed the Stallions to make a run to the Valley Championship and the NorCal State Div. III Championship. Although Garcia is a senior, his legacy will live on at Madera South. Garcia was a first team All-county/Metro Athletic Conference selection, although he should have gotten more votes to be considered the league MVP. He outplayed both of the players who received more votes than him by the coaches in head-to-head matches. Garcia has earned All-Madera Tribune honors each of his four years and the last two as the Tribune’s Most Valuable Player.
Offensive Player of the Year
Abraham Vasquez
Senior Forward Madera South
Abraham Vasquez was a clinical finisher for the Madera South boys soccer team. The energetic winger scored 21 goals, including one in the state championship match. His pace, aggressiveness and willingness to work on the pitch gave Madera South a lethal one-two punch with Garcia.
Luis Segura
Soph. GK Madera South
The sophomore goalkeeper was one of the bright spots for Madera South in 2019. His acrobatic saves, his fearlessness in the net and his leadership organizing the defense gave Madera South a leader in the back that they relied on. His performances in the Valley and NorCal State Championship were a highlight for the underclassmen. Expect Segura to be a big part moving forward.
Jose Arreola
Sr. Def. Madera South
Chosen to the 2019 first team All-CMAC team for boys soccer, Jose Arreola proved to be a rock on defense for Madera South. With an attacking group, Arreola proved to be an anchor as his ability to mark, defend and lead his defense, which allowed the Stallions to throw men forward for goals. Arreola’s ability to do the dirty work helped the Stallions flourish.
Joel Hernandez
Jr. Def. Madera South
The junior defender followed in the footsteps of his teammate Jose Arreola, Joel Hernandez was a rock in the heart of defense. It didn’t matter who they were playing, what the score was or where they were, the Stallions’ defense was always up to the task. Hernandez could fight in the air, on the ground and anywhere in between. Without the presence of tough defenders, winning a Valley Championship is difficult, let alone a state championship.
Christian Meza
Jr. FB Madera South
The fullback was one of the biggest providers on the season, just behind Garcia, Meza collected 15 assists on the year. His pace and vision on the wings gave Madera South another punch in their attack. Without his playmaking, the Stallions’ would’ve been less threatening on the counter and in open play. Meza was one of the unsung heroes of the Madera South championship campaign in 2019.
Carlos Cardenas
Soph. Mid Madera South
The young Stallion grew as the season progressed. From his goal and two assists in the playoff win against Lemoore, a goal against Tulare Union in the Valley Championship and then an assist on the state championship, although just a sophomore, Cardenas has a bright future at Madera South.
Emmanuel Cortez
Sr. Mid. Madera
The Madera Coyotes; midfield was a strength in 2019 and with the contributions from Emmanuel Cortez, they were able to improve every match. The All-CMAC first team selection was chosen for his natural skills in the midfield. His passing, vision and defending gave the Coyotes a focal point throughout the season.
Ryan Da Rocha
Jr. Mid. Madera
Ryan Da Rocha showed many times that his skills on the pitch were no trick. His silky-smooth play at times, his vision to find his teammates and his work rate on the pitch deserved an honor. His play in big games against Madera South and Bullard also showed his willingness to contribute in all facets of the game. This is Da Rocha’s second selection to the All-Madera Tribune team.
Joseph Rivera and David Salas
Sr. (Rivera) and Jr. (Salas) Mid. Madera South
The midfield for the Stallions was a strength throughout the year. When you have men going forward, looking to attack, it is important to have the right men to keep the shape intact. For Joseph Rivera and David Salas, their stout play in the Stallions’ midfield allowed for a more expressive style of play. Madera South had many forwards who could find the back of the net, but the players who kept the Madera South midfield and back line secure, they deserve equally as they were vital to two championships during the 2018-19 season.
Jesus Ponce
Fr. Forward Liberty
Jesus Ponce was a one-man wrecking crew for the Hawks. The underclassmen had 15 goals and 11 assists in his first year in high school soccer. As a freshman, Ponce showed signs of leadership and with a few more years of seasoning, he could be one of the top players on this list. So far so good for the young Hawk. His pace and electrifying style are sure to translate to more success for the Hawks soccer program after his Underclassmen of the Year selection for the North Sequoia league.
Levi Ratzlaff
Jr. Forward Liberty
The junior forward finished with 12 goals in 2019 and became an option alongside Ponce. His ability to find space in the box allowed him to take on crosses and find the back of the net, which earned him a first team spot on the All-NSL team. With a tandem of Ratzlaff and Ponce up front next season, the Hawks have something to be excited about.
David Vasquez
Sr. For. Madera South
David Vasquez was a soldier for the Stallions. His willingness to fight for every blade of grass, his ability to pass and score from the wing and, not to mention his knack for getting other players involved warranted him a spot on the All-Tribune list. After his Valley Championship and NorCal State Championship performance, Vasquez proved to be a difference maker for Madera South.
Jonah Hill and Emmanuel Cabello
Soph. (Hill) and Sr. (Cabello) Forwards Madera
The pair were vital to the Coyotes efforts in 2019. Coming off a down year in 2018, head coach Nic Landeros put his faith in Hill and Cabello and they didn’t disappoint. The pair combined for over 20 goals and against the big teams in the CMAC to keep the Coyotes in matches. Hill had two goals against Madera South and another two against Sanger, while Cabello had one against Madera South and two against Selma. Both players earned first team All-CMAC honors.
