Freshman forward scores five goals in two-game span for Lady
Rams soccer squad
GILROY – Freshman forward Cynthia Pinto chose Gavilan College so she could continue her basketball career. But when she found out there was a women’s soccer team as well, Pinto jumped on the opportunity to play two collegiate sports.
Good thing for that.
Pinto – who still plans on playing hoops in the fall after soccer season is over – has been a scoring machine for the Lady Rams. The deadly striker has already netted five goals in a two-game span – including all three Gavilan goals in its victory over Evergreen College.
“(It is) basically an opportunity to play the two sports that I love and go to school,” said Pinto, who also has tallied an assist in the first three games of the season.
The freshman phenom was directed to Gavilan College by her athletic director at Livingston High School. The location of the college attracted her along with the chance to play ball and Pinto felt it was a way to get away from the distractions of her high school friends back home.
Pinto had been playing soccer since she was 9-years old – starting in the recreational leagues and then moving up to the competitive leagues. She took two years off from soccer when she entered high school because both sports were played during the winter season.
Pinto picked up soccer again her junior year when the school started offering it in the spring. The versatile athlete was able to play every position on the field, but has found that forward is the best position for her and the Lady Rams.
“I’m a better forward than anything else,” she said.
Playing college soccer is a whole different game for Pinto – but her early success shows the transition has not been too hard.
“It’s more competitive and the girls have a higher skill level,” said Pinto of playign in the Coast Conference.
According to Pinto, the game is a lot faster and there are not as many opportunities to go one-on-one with the goalie.
“I wouldn’t score any goals if it wasn’t for the passes of my teammates,” said Pinto, crediting her new teammates for generating scoring chances.
After her two years at Gavilan College, Pinto is planning to transfer to a four-year college. As of right now, she is unsure of where she will go, but said she would love to go to Fresno State. Although she has a strong passion for sports, Pinto’s education remains her top priority. But she hopes to continue to play either sport in the future.
“I would love to go to a four-year college to play basketball or soccer,” Pinto said. “I’m just looking for the open door.”
She sure can find the back of the net – which could open the door to her dreams.
