“These kids are humble, hungry. They’re really looking to make a statement.”
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After a historic 2024 season, Fresno High‘s boys soccer team is looking to build on the success of last year. But the Warriors face an even greater challenge in the new season as they take the field with a younger roster.
The steep learning curve for the young team became clear early in the season as the Warriors struggled to put together wins. But it was a different story on Thursday when the Warriors pulled out a 3-2 win at home against Madera South. Although the Warriors nearly collapsed in the second half after taking a 3-0 lead early in the game, head coach Isaiah Asencio applauds his team for staying composed and finishing the job.
“Young guys, man. That’s a sophomore goalie in there and I just want them to stay tough,” Asencio said. “We’re all going to make those mistakes. Especially as young players, I think they’re very common.”
Asencio’s young team has already faced a 6-game losing streak. The schedule doesn’t get any easier as the Warriors begin league play next week with games against the powerful Sanger Apaches and the up-and-coming Edison Tigers. Asencio is looking forward to seeing how his team will face the challenge.
“I think personally we went through the worst time already,” Asencio said. “As long as we stick together and we trust the work we’re doing on this pitch, it’s gonna reflect on the game. Young mistakes of course, but these kids are humble, hungry. They’re really looking to make a statement.”
In the 2024 season, the Warriors clinched the league title for the first time in 53 years. However, 16 seniors from that team are now gone.
“It has just been about development and growth,” Asencio said. “Things might not have been going our way, but it made us closer together. We’re trusting that process. With the young talent we have, we knew we just had to be patient.”
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