GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Warriors boys soccer team continued its impressive start to the season with a commanding 5-1 victory over Cosumnes Oaks High School in its home opener on Dec. 5.

The Warriors wasted no time establishing dominance, scoring all five goals in the first half. The explosive offensive performance allowed Head Coach Julian Parra to substitute most of his bench in the second half, giving valuable playing time to his deep roster.

Noah Stratton led the scoring with two goals, while Angel Munoz, Leopoldo Garcia and Rafael Bertho each added one. The victory improved Galt’s record to 3-0 after road wins against Burbank (4-1) and Elk Grove High School (4-1).

 

Kevin Mendoza powers his way down the field.

“This group is very cohesive, very united,” said Coach Parra. “There’s no ego left on this team. Everyone gets along with each other. They’re friends outside of the program, and it makes my job easier, it makes Coach Patino’s job easier, and Coach Carlos’ job easier.”

The Warriors’ success comes despite having just four seniors on the roster, with two freshmen already contributing at the varsity level. Rather than viewing this as a rebuilding year, Parra sees it as continued growth for the program.

“There was a lot of talk after last season about how we fell short (of the section title), but I mean, we’re lucky to live in a town where we don’t really have to rebuild,” Parra explained. “The program’s only growing and getting stronger, and obviously all I can credit is this group of boys and the parents they have at home.”

Despite the early success, Parra believes his team hasn’t reached its peak yet.

 

Kevin Levario leaps over the Cosumnes Oaks goalie.

“We played decently, but we’re not at our best yet,” he said. “We’ve shown some successes early, but I know we can be better, and the boys know they can be better. That’s why they don’t really celebrate these wins; they know what the standard is and they hold themselves to a high standard.”

The coach emphasized that the program’s goals extend beyond the soccer field.

“We want these guys to be successful outside of the pitch, in the classroom and beyond, because obviously it’s really hard to make it out with soccer,” Parra said. “Our ultimate goal is to make sure these kids have careers ahead of them.”

The Warriors will face their first league test on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (after deadline), when they take on Rosemont in their Sierra Valley Conference opener.

 

Senior Leo Garcia does an excellent job as a defender.