After having a decent senior season at Woodrow Wilson High School, freshman goalkeeper Benito Gonzalez looks to land the starting position on the Cerritos College men’s soccer team.

Gonzalez, who has been playing soccer since childhood, recently as a goalkeeper, finds himself in a battle with high school teammate Brett Hughes.

“I’ve known my competition since high school,” said Gonzalez. “We’re close, we’re good friends.”

For Gonzalez, this has been the hardest training he’s had to go through.

“Harder, more running, more conditioning and six hours of training,” said Gonzalez about the differences between high school and college soccer.

Cerritos College wasn’t the only school he considered attending. Gonzalez also looked into schools such as Golden West and Long Beach City College.

“Cerritos was my best choice,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez understands that the position isn’t guaranteed and will have to work hard every day to achieve his goal.

“I have to have my patience until my turn, I’m not going to give up until I have my chance,” he said about the thought of not being selected as a starting goalkeeper.

Although Gonzalez is a freshman, he has high expectations for the season as he hopes to win the state championship alongside his teammates.

Gonzales is currently an undecided major and hopes to transfer to a college with a division one soccer team.

First preseason game is scheduled on Wednesday Aug. 29 against Rio Hondo at 4 p.m.