Serra sophomore Devin Perez goes on the attack in the Padres’ 9-0 win over Riordan Thursday at Freitas Field.
It would appear Mike Keller was the perfect coach to take over the Serra varsity soccer program.
With six key sophomores joining the varsity Padres this season, Keller knows precisely what they are going through. That’s because he too made his varsity debut as a sophomore at Serra, back in 1995-96.
“It’s tough,” Keller said. “It can be uncomfortable at times. … You’ve got to fight for your minutes and establish yourself psychologically.”
Serra’s current crop of sophomores got a chance to shine Thursday at Freitas Field as, for the second straight year, the Padres (2-4 WCAL, 4-6-1 overall) downed Riordan 9-0 in West Catholic Athletic League play.
Three different sophomores got on the board for the Padres. Midfielder Devin Perez set the pace with two goals, both at the end of the first half. His first came on a penalty kick. He scored again one minute later on a free kick. Perez added two assists, both on corner kicks.
Sophomore midfielder Ivan Torres added a score, as did Nicholas Amayo, who netted the first goal of his varsity career.
“This team, right now, we have great potential,” Perez said. “Right now we have a good freshman team, and I think over the years we’re going to be better and better.”
Since winning their first two games of the year, however, the Padres have hit a rough stretch. Prior to Thursday’s blowout victory, Serra had been outscored 17-4 in five WCAL matches. The victory over Riordan (0-6, 1-8) marks just their second league win of the season.
“I think we’ve played better than the record shows,” Keller said. “So, I think it’s never as bad as you think. Our goal is to play well in the second half and do what we can to finish in the top half of league.”
Serra is banking on some senior leadership as well. Senior defender Jack McCarthy totaled two goals, both in the second half. Senior forward Caelan Matthew Dytioco added a goal.
Perez is proving a glimpse of the future, though. The sophomore generally plays in reserve, and is one of the first off the bench. And his infusion of speed and agility loomed large Thursday.
“He’s got great vision and skill off the attack,” Keller said. “He makes a big difference off the bench.”
At just 5-4, 128 pounds, Perez still has time to grow into a varsity frame, even though he’s already scored five goals on the year.
“It’s tough playing against kids that are three years older than me,” Perez said. “I’m one of the smallest guys on the field.”
Keller — a 1998 graduate of Serra — took over for longtime coach Jeff Panos. Under Panos, the Padres saw similar growing pains in 2015-16, finishing with the worst record at 2-11-1 of the former coach’s tenure. The following year, Serra went on the win the Central Coast Section Division II championship.
“I’m getting reacquainted with the league,” Keller said. “Getting used to the league with a young team at this level. And it’s a good level, in my opinion.”
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