The Grizzlies pulled out several close wins during recent tournaments.
Central‘s boys soccer team is off to a strong start in the early season. The Grizzlies have already clinched two tournament championships, taking part in the Lindsay Sunkist Classic and the Powerade Valley Showcase. After playing ten games in nine days, the Grizzlies held a record of 9-0-1. Overall, the team stands at 10-1-1.
“I think one of our key reasons we had a strong start was because of our team chemistry and our work ethic,” said senior Marcus Raymond Flores. “We are with each other day in and day out and our practices are just as intense as our games.”
On Dec. 17, the Grizzlies played in memory of Scott Sudjian, the beloved father of coach Christian Sudjian.
“Every game he would be out supporting us and always getting us hyped up to go out there and win,” Flores said about Scott, who passed away recently after battling cancer. “He has been with us for multiple years and was truly a inspiration.”
The Grizzlies pulled out several close wins during the recent tournaments, including some victories they earned with penalty shootouts.
“I think what that says about our team is, no matter what we will always fight till the end,” Flores said. “Regardless what everybody thinks in the stands, us as a team will fight for each other till the last whistle is blown.”
As a senior, Flores takes the responsibility of making sure his team stays focused.
“I am one of the veterans and have been on varsity since a sophomore,” he said. “I always try to tell the guys not to look to much in the future and just focus one game at a time and always stay calm and composed. If we focus on how we play and how we do, we will not need to worry about others.”
Flores’ playmaking ability has been a key part of the Grizzlies’ success.
“I think my assist abilities are very important,” he said. “Although I couldn’t get those assists without the help of my teammates. I thank them for that. It truly shows how lethal we are in attack and everybody in the field is capable of a goal.”
The Grizzlies will enjoy the winter break and resume action on Jan. 4, facing Sanger at home.
