Team figures to be competitive in realigned league
The struggles of small school soccer programs have been well chronicled on these pages over the years, with league wins a rare commodity for most teams.
That was certainly the case for the El Molino boys squad during much of the past decade in the highly competitive Sonoma County League.
Following radical league realignment this fall, the 2018-19 season brings new hope for the Lions, who will compete in the North Bay League Redwood Division along with Analy, Piner, Maria Carrillo, Cardinal Newman and Ukiah.
Although the competition will still be stiff, the playing field should be somewhat more level this season.
“Being one of the smallest schools in Sonoma County, the realignment didn’t really do much for us as we will still face very difficult teams,” El Mo coach Dave Rosales said. “With that being said, we plan to be very competitive in hopes of having a breakthrough year. “
The Lions will return a solid nucleus of veterans to this year’s squad, including standout senior midfielders Logan Myers, Sergio Sanchez, Adolfo Membilla and Finn Smith. Other notable seniors are Jamy Daly, Carlson Salim and Jack Grassl. Ryan Palmers and Zachary Strehlow will round out the returning juniors.
“Our tryout numbers were a bit lower than past years so making the varsity team was very competitive, and we’re still looking at some younger players to fill the roster,” Rosales reported. “We have some very capable newcomers that have shown that they’re willing to do the hard work to bring the team to the next level.”
The list of promising first-year varsity players includes forwards Jesse Gonzales, Cassius Phillips and defender Indigo LaMere.
The Lions will get a good litmus test beginning on Dec. 4 (after press time) when they host Petaluma, followed by matches at Healdsburg (Dec. 7, 6 p.m.) and home against Sonoma Valley (Dec. 11, 7 p.m.). El Molino will kick off the NBL schedule at home on Jan. 14 against Piner.
