Christopher High goalkeeper Carlos Arroyo isn’t surprised to see his Cougars pile up shutout victories this season.
“I kind of expected us to be this good, because I have the best sweeper in the league right now,” Arroyo said, gesturing to teammate Giovanni Troini.
But while a strong back line gives flavor to Christopher’s turnaround season, its freshman keeper might be the straw that stirs the drink.
“Most of the shutouts, we have to give a lot of credit to Carlos,” Troini said. “Being only a freshman, he’s making incredible saves. Most of the credit to him, and the heart we put in and communicating on the back line.”
Christopher coach Ricardo Espinosa is glad to have both players, who have helped the Cougars put together a worst-to-first tale that has the school buzzing.
The Cougars went 0-9-3 in league last season. Today, they stand 8-4 overall and 5-1 in the Monterey Bay League Pacific Division, and a Central Coast Section playoff berth could be within reach.
“The defense has been the key,” Espinosa said. “We work what’s called a ‘4-5-1.’ What that does is, it gives five midfielders on defense. It doesn’t allow other teams scoring opportunities. Out of the (first) five league games, four of them have been shutouts. That’s really, really good.”
Only one team from the Pacific Division will clinch a CCS playoff spot. But the Cougars vaulted to the top of the hotly contested division with a 2-1 victory at then-first place Everett Alvarez on Tuesday.
An own goal by the Cougars gave the Eagles their only goal, meaning that the only team to have scored against the Cougars in MBL play was San Benito, as the Balers won 3-0 at Christopher on Jan. 8.
The Cougars won their next four matches, including three in a row by scores of 1-0.
“I really appreciate our defense,” Troini said. “They’re some of the least experienced players we have, and it’s not really their first sport, but they go out strong, give 100 percent and they listen very well.”
The Cougars are glad to have Troini after the Gilroy native spent six months last year studying in Italy. Troini didn’t play competitively in Italy, where his grandparents are from originally, but he received coaching and training that has helped a professional soccer career become a realistic goal for the future.
“It was probably the best experience I’ve had in my life,” Troini said.
Troini has been more than a defensive leader for the Cougars.
“He not only does really well with the back line, but he goes up on corners and free kicks,” Espinosa said. “So he’s important for both the defense and offense.”
Arroyo brings rare commitment for a freshman. The student of the game watches film of famed goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel and Oliver Kahn, and he’s put his mental notes to use to become one of the area’s top keepers.
“I just wanted to try hard, and I got to varsity, so it feels good,” Arroyo said.
The Cougars’ offense came alive in the win at Alvarez, as Jose Romo scored twice off assists from Josue Salgado and Edwin Galeanna.
Ipsen Tamayo, Giovanni Adame and Alejandro Robles also have had their moments for Christopher’s offense this season. But defense sparked the turnaround.
“Success comes from building from the defense up,” Espinosa said. “I’m happy with the way the kids have stepped up and bought into it.”
