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Deep and Talented Men's Soccer Squad Set on Defending CCAA Crown

CCAA Champions.  Number 7.

The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's soccer team has much to live up to in 2007.  Not only did last year's squad capture the program's unprecedented 7th California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Conference Championship with a thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind win over upstart and cross-town rival Cal State L.A., it did so riding two unsung heroes in both a senior whose goal in the Championship game was the only goal scored in his two-year CSUDH career, and in a redshirt freshman keeper who was forced to enter the contest just 33:14 into the first half, and proceeded to hold the Golden Eagle offense scoreless for two-thirds of the contest after seeing just 203 total minutes of action in the regular season.

The win over CSULA, highlighting an up-and-down season that saw a six-game win streak to open the year precede a string of five defeats over the next six games, was more improbable in that the Golden Eagles had taken both regular season contests from the Toros after CSUDH dominated CSULA by boasting an 11-year unbeaten streak against their southern California foes entering the 2006 campaign. 

In the course of those highs and lows, and after the Toros had lost three straight and five of six, a team meeting before a match-up with then-defending CCAA Champion Sonoma State shook the Toros from their funk, and the ensuing 5-0 thrashing of the Seawolves set CSUDH on its way towards the crown.

“We had a good meeting the night before the Sonoma State game, and that turned our season around,” reflects Flanagan.  “The guys thought we were almost done with our season, but we explained to them that although we weren't in great shape, we were still in good position to make things happen.  We locked down on a couple different tactical things and they really bought into it and got on the same page, and we came out storming.”

Nine games later, including seven wins, one tie and a conference title, CSUDH gained the top seed in the region and was granted hosting duties in the NCAA Far West Region, but fell ignominiously in overtime to Seattle, 2-1, in the first round of the playoffs.

Gone from this year's team are five seniors including Jesse Graham (2nd-team All-American midfielder), Shogo Okuma (2nd-team All-Region midfielder), Wilmer Lopez (playmaker who assisted on both goals in the title game), LJ Reinhardt (1st-team All-Region defender) and Kyle Polak (1st-team All-Region keeper and owner of CSUDH's marks for career wins and shutouts), who combined to give the 2006 Toros experience, leadership and the swagger necessary to reclaim the conference crown after winning four-straight from 1999-2002.

However, what the 2007 team returns are senior forward Sammy Rivas, a 2nd-team All-Region and 1st-team All-CCAA selection, and Alberto Garcia and Devin Toohey, who each earned 3rd-team All-CCAA nods after making their collective presence felt with solid and progressive play throughout the year. 

The Toros also welcome back sophomore Mario Guerrero and senior Julio Madrigal, who combined for nine goals and 22 points, seniors Humberto Lopez and Kyle Holland, who established themselves as dangerous middle men, and sophomore Derby Carrillo, whose success in the title game and two years of experience in the CSUDH program have prepared him for his next three seasons as the Toros' probable starting keeper.

“In terms of experience, we definitely have a lot of that,” previews the four-time CCAA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year.  “If everything works out, this will be our deepest team and, as a staff, we're going to have some tough decisions to make, which is a good thing.  Some guys who red-shirted last year could've played for us, so they're in a sense like new recruits.  Plus with the guys coming in, we'll have a strong team.  We're excited.”

Here's a closer glimpse at how the Toros will look to repeat in 2007:
Forward

Needing 5 assists, 10 goals and 20 points entering 2007 to break into CSUDH's top 10 all-time career lists in those categories, senior Sammy Rivas anchors a solid core of returning forwards after earning 2nd-team All-Region and 1st-team All-CCAA honors last season.  In his honor-filled junior campaign, the Long Beach native was in the top 10 in goals and points in the CCAA, connected for 2 game-winning goals in consecutive contests in early September, and notched two assists in the regular season 3-0 win at Seattle University on August 31.  Despite this production, however, Rivas will be called upon for more contribution as the defending conference champs will have the bull's-eye squarely on their collective backs.

“Sammy scored some important goals for us last year, and some were scored out of nothing,” says Flanagan about one of his main threats.  “We're looking for him to have a really good year.”

Fellow seniors Julio Madrigal and Jose Serpas also made their contributions felt in their first years in Cardinal & Gold.  Madrigal tallied 4 goals on the year, good for the fourth-best total on squad.  The Inglewood native also made his lone game-winning goal of the year count, knocking Sonoma State out of the CCAA Tournament in the Toros' thrilling 2-1 semifinal overtime win on October 27 after notching 2 goals in a 5-0 win over the Seawolves 26 days earlier.

“Julio had a great spring playing right half, and he's great in terms of 1v1 ability,” begins Flanagan.  “He's a guy who could win games for you.”

Likewise, Serpas contributed 2 goals and 7 points in his junior campaign after coming back from an injury that kept him on the sidelines as a highly-touted transfer in 2005.  The Costa Mesa native saw action in 20 games with 3 starts, tallying his first goal as a Toro at Seattle University in CSUDH's third game of 2006.

Sophomores Mario Guerrero and Scott Mariano round out the deep and talented frontline for CSUDH, looking to give opposing teams nightmares on defense.  Guerrero finished his first season in Cardinal & Gold as the third-leading scorer after starting 15 of 20 games played on the year.  The younger brother of former CSUDH All-American Victor, Guerrero scored his first collegiate goal in the Toros' season-opening 2-0 win at Seattle Pacific (Aug. 31), and connected for two game-winners in a week's span.

“By the end of the season, you could really see the light come on with Mario,” says Flanagan.  “He learned the speed of play and, with his athletic ability and being 6'3”, he obviously can be a force.  He creates a lot of problems for defenses and we're looking for him to have a great season.”

Mariano earned his first career start in a 2-0 win over Cal State San Bernardino (Sept. 10), and capitalized on the opportunity by scoring his first collegiate goal.  Additionally, the Artesia native notched two goals in the 5-0 blowout over Sonoma State (Oct. 1) that stopped a 3-game skid, and served as impetus for CSUDH's title run.
Midfield

Midfield also positions itself as a strength for the 2007 Toros squad, led by junior Carmelo Terranova and senior Kyle Holland, who both bring talent and experience and are set on helping CSUDH defend its CCAA Title.

Terranova made 15 starts in 17 games played, notching two goals on the year, one each against Cal Poly Pomona (Sept. 8) and at CS Monterey Bay (Oct. 20).  The Saugus native has started in 21 of 37 career games played in Cardinal & Gold, and solidifies the middle with his tenacity and decision-making skill.

“Carmelo had to play out of position last year but we did it because he was one of our better players,” begins Flanagan.  “Up until mid-season when he got injured, he was having a great season and was probably our MVP.  He was reliable and made some big plays, and he just does what it takes to win, both in practice and in games.  As a coaching staff, we love that.”

Holland, who started 10 games in 18 played in his first season in Carson, became a regular on the field through his leadership and calming presence.  The Redondo Beach native notched a game-winner in the regular season finale at San Francisco State (Oct. 22), and tallied his two assists on the year in back-to-back contests against Sonoma State and UC San Diego.

“I like Kyle's leadership,” Flanagan begins.  “He really prepares himself and does a great job of just leading.  He gives us some speed up front and I think Kyle can win some games for us.”

Seniors Humberto Lopez and Devin Toohey form the second of three duos that will give the Toros ample weapons in transition.  Lopez emerged as a focal point on set plays, tying for 7th in assists in the CCAA and tallying the 5th-highest point total on the team.  The Bellflower native scored his lone game-winning goal of the year on a penalty kick in a 1-0 win against CS Bakersfield (Oct. 13), no small feat considering CSUDH connected on just 3-of-6 PK attempts on the year, and notched his second goal in the postseason loss to Seattle.

Toohey also emerged as a consistent force in the middle, using his physical and hard-nosed play to secure his starting spot in the line-up and earn a 3rd-team All-CCAA nod.  The Santa Paula native also came up huge offensively in two of the biggest games of the year, tallying an assist in that 5-0 win over Sonoma State (Oct. 1), and scoring CSUDH's first goal in the 2-1 CCAA semifinal win over the Seawolves on a spectacular header.

“Devin is just nails and probably is our fittest player,” says Flanagan of his returning All-CCAA player.  “He can get forward, create some things on his own – like the goal in the conference semis – and he's like our iron man.  He does it all.”

Sophomores Andrew Marinez and Hiram Rangel, along with senior Ricky Figueroa round out the top returners in the middle, with Marinez notching 3 goals, including 2 game winners at Seattle Pacific (Aug. 29) and CS Stanislaus (Sept. 17), Rangel making three starts in nine games played as a true freshman, and Figueroa making a comeback after a preseason injury sidelined him for 2006.   

“There's going to be a lot of competition at the outside half position,” begins Flanagan with a smile.  “Our midfield will be packed, and that position this year should be the best ever.”
On the Backline

As was the case last year, it's déjà vu all over again for the Toro defense, with juniors Alberto Garcia and Chris Stonerock the only holdovers from a backline that again will welcome an influx of new players.
   
Garcia solidified his presence as the anchor of the defense, earning 3rd-team All-CCAA accolades as a defensive stalwart who started 17 of 20 games played.  His tenacity on the backline, along with his durability, helped the Toros blank 10 opponents, including five shutouts in CSUDH's first six wins to kick off the season, and hold seven to just a single goal en route to the CCAA Title.
   
“Alberto just gets his job done,” says Flanagan of his returning two-year starter. “If you didn't watch the game, you'd probably never notice how many things he does.  He doesn't show up on the stat sheet – most defenders don't – but he's solid and reads the game tremendously well.  Albert makes these plays that no one would really notice, but as a coach, I think he's in the right position all the time, he works hard, and he never stops.  His reading of the game and positioning, to me, are second to none.”

Like his then-sophomore counterpart, Stonerock started 73% of the games he played, giving the Toros another experienced and talented defender who will welcome new bodies to the mix.
In the Net

After seeing action in just four contests during the regular season, sophomore Derby Carrillo was thrust into the limelight in last year's title game, entering after starting keeper Kyle Polak was knocked out of the contest during a collision in front of the Toro net.  Barely having time to warm up, all Carrillo did was stone two rapid-fire shot attempts by CSULA, and hold the high-powered Golden Eagle offense scoreless to help the Toros notch their 7th CCAA Title.

This year, much of the same is expected of the 6'4” La Mirada native, who has two full years of training and three years of eligibility remaining in the Toro program after being granted a medical red shirt in his freshman campaign.

“We felt last year he deserved more time but obviously Kyle was the guy, being a two-year starter prior to last season,” begins Flanagan.  “But with Derby's height and wingspan – a prototype frame for a keeper – the goal looks that much smaller with him in it.  And with Derby also being technically sound, he's got even more upside than Kyle.  He's been looking forward to being the starter, and I think he's ready for it.”
Newcomers

The 2007 squad again welcomes a sampling of talent that will benefit CSUDH at all field positions, a true to life version of the rich getting richer.

#Gustavo Zarate#, a sophomore who played one year at Moorpark JC after finishing a stellar prep career at Camarillo High School, immediately will compete for action up front, making an already lethal forward position that much better.

“Gus has tremendous skills and speed, a great left foot, and he's a guy who can change the game at any time,” begins Flanagan.  “On the attacking side, he's probably our biggest recruit coming in, and he will definitely win some games for us.”

Fellow sophomore Kevin Gallaugher will help fill the defensive void left by 1st-team All-Region defender LJ Reinhardt, giving Garcia and Stonerock much needed support.  At Rio Hondo, Gallaugher led the Roadrunners with 9 goals and 8 assists en route to the team MVP award, after a career at Walnut HS that saw him tally 17 goals and 18 assists as a senior en route to the league title and Best Midfielder Award.

“At 6'1, Kevin is a good physical guy with good skills who can play out of the back with the ball, reads the game well and tackles,” Flanagan says.  “He's a guy who's going to be able to fill in right away.”

One of two senior recruits on the squad, Chris Martinez will help an already stacked midfield as a tough and intelligent presence.  A “hard working ball winner who distributes well,” Martinez helped lead the University of San Francisco to a West Coast Conference Title in 2005, after being named a 2nd-team All-Conference selection at Rio Hondo JC.
   
One of three active freshmen on the roster, Tiburcio Casillas looks to be a cornerstone for years to come.  After scoring 29 goals in a single season and twice leading his Animo Leadership squad to the state semifinals, Flanagan can't help but conjure memories of a past Toro speedster.

“Tibu is one of the guys who has tremendous upside, and will be a big guy for us in the future,” begins Flanagan.  “He's got speed that'll be hard to match up with … 6 gears like Frank Corona.”
The Schedule

CSUDH begins the 2007 campaign with three non-conference games, concluding with a primetime rematch on September 2 against the Far West Champion Seattle Redhawks, who knocked the Toros from last year's regional.

The Toros then begin their title defense at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino before enjoying a six-game home stretch, which features a battle against perennial power Seattle Pacific on September 29.  The road doesn't get much easier for CSUDH as they travel to Rohnert Park on October 5 to take on Sonoma State, kicking off four-straight contests away from Toro Stadium.

After concluding the road trip with an October 14 showdown at Cal State L.A., however, the Toros finish with four-straight games at home, including a Sunday, October 28 contest against Cal State San Bernardino, which marks “Senior Day” and the final regular season contest for all nine Toro seniors.
Final Thoughts

As the defending champions, the Toros will have the proverbial target on their backs all year long, a fact they've grown accustomed to over the years after dominating in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  With that consistent success, however, Flanagan knows the tag of “Defending Champion” has its own special ring, and will be a motivating factor to all those who will try to dethrone the champs.

“I think it's definitely easier for other teams to get up for someone when they have 'Conference Champions' by their name,” he begins.  “But we've had a pretty good run over the years that we've established ourselves as the team to beat, but especially with the tag, it'll be that much more intense.

“But even though we want to make playoffs, the conference championship is something we always shoot for initially,” Flanagan continues.  “That's a good trophy to have, and it's something that says we accomplished one of our goals. 

Heading into the season, Flanagan and his staff are very optimistic, and aren't shy about his team's chances of repeating and advancing deeper into the 2007 national post-season.
   
“We like what we see,” he summarizes.  “We have lot of options, a lot of weapons.  The season looks bright for sure.”

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