Diving into what should be a routine save in a club soccer practice, senior Angel Aguilar comes down hard on his right hand. Aguilar suffered a fracture in his pinky and ring fingers, leaving his last year of varsity soccer in doubt.
“I was scared my senior year could’ve been damaged very badly,” Aguilar said. “I don’t want to ever miss a game again like last year sitting on the bench, this is my year to prove something to others.”
According to the players, Aguilar holds a special place to this team with his ability to lead the game from the 18-yard box and his great spirit he brings to each teammate around him at all times.
“Angel brings a lot of good morale to this team,” senior Luke Lenamond said. “He’s a very energetic guy, and he couldn’t dislike anyone on the team or have anyone dislike him, he’s friends with every guy we got.”
Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Sidney Danner acknowledges Aguilar’s injury as it could’ve been potentially harmful in the season, as he’s the only designated goalkeeper on the team.
“When he first told me the logistics of the injury, I was worried over our goalkeeper situation for the year,” Coach Danner said. “With him being the only returning varsity goalkeeper, we don’t have the experience depth needed just yet.”
In the beginning of the season, during scrimmages, Aguilar split minutes in goal with the junior varsity team, while on his way back in recovery. Now, in district, Aguilar plays the full 80 minutes on the field and leaves his team with confidence.
“If a shot was to get through our back line, I’m highly confident in Angel blocking it almost every time,” Lenamond said. “His leadership through the back as well helps a lot with his ability to see the whole field and letting us know how to position ourselves correctly.”
Up on the schedule next, Aguilar and Boys Varsity soccer play at Mansfield High School against the Tigers, this Friday, Feb. 27, in their 9th district matchup.
“When you love something so much, you will always try harder for it,” Aguilar said. “Being back at almost my full ability feels great, and this obstacle just gives me more motivation to be greater than ever.”
