They’re coming back from a rough season, but after lots of practice and preparation, the Cerritos College men’s soccer team may be ready to take the championship this year.

Under the direction of Head Coach Juan Torres, who is beginning his second coaching season at Cerritos, the team is looking to win games and hopefully have a shot at that coveted championship slot.

Twenty-two players make up the team, four of whom are returning. Those returning are: Jorge Arteaga, Jesus Guiterez, Paolo Granados and Luis Hernandez.

While not even a fifth of the players bring to the team last seasons experience, Assistant Coach Benny Arteaga is confident that this will not hinder their ability to win games.

He explains that although the team is, “Short on experience, we have a last man defender named Conrad Arteaga who we’re looking at to solidify the defense.”

The assistant coach is also willing to note a few more players that spectators may want to keep an eye out for this season.

He says that the coaches are “expecting a lot out of” both Luis Ramirez and Jonathan Morales and even referred to Salvador Ramos as the team’s “hidden key.”

The coaching staff is looking to Ramos, “To really break out of his shell this year.” Assistant Coach Arteaga remarks, “If he plays the way he’s capable, I really see him making First Team All Conference.”

The athletes all appear to be equally as optimistic as their coaches.

After much practicing many are ready to begin the season and get in the game.

“We’re definitely looking to improve upon last season,” Arteaga says, “It was Juan’s first year as coach and anytime you have a brand new coaching staff, its hard but now we’re settled into the system that were going to run. We’re absolutely looking to make noise in the conference.”

Captain Manuel Roque sums up the teams feeling with these words, “We’re looking forward to this season. We have great players…we’re expecting to take the championship this year. We’re going to be the champions.”

The season appears to be a challenge but it definitely looks like these dedicated athletes are ready to rise to the occasion.

They would, however, like to ensure support of their team by students on campus.

Many simply asked that people would “come out and watch.”