Sophomore Alfonso Magana is one of just five returning players for the San Jac men’s soccer team. The 2010 season begins Friday at 7 p.m., against Richland College. Photo credit: John Bechtle.

Nationally ranked teams to square off in San Jac soccer season opener

By: John Bechtle, for San Jacinto College

HOUSTON – A pair of nationally ranked men’s soccer teams will clash Friday night as San Jacinto College, ranked ninth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) preseason poll, hosts Richland, ranked second in the Division III poll, to open the 2010 season. Match time is 7 p.m.

San Jac head coach Dr. David Santesteban is anxious to see how his team, reloaded in the offseason with the help of many talented freshman newcomers, competes against a solid opponent in the opener. “It’s going to be a good one right away for us,” said Santesteban, who is in his seventh season at the helm of the San Jac men’s soccer program. “Richland, like ourselves, has a program that is rich in tradition. Every year, you know Richland is going to give you a great game.”

San Jacinto College is coming off a pair of scrimmage tune-ups, including a 3-1 win Aug. 20 over Texas A&M International, followed by a 4-1 setback Aug. 21 against the Nuevo Laredo Bravos, a professional team.

Sophomore Alfonso Magana, continuing to build off a great offseason of preparation, tallied three goals in the two games for San Jac. Victor Ruiz added a goal on a penalty kick in the win over Texas A&M International.

“The big thing is we came away from those games with no injuries and we are set to begin the regular season healthy,” added Santesteban. “We looked good in several scenarios in the scrimmages, but we have a long way to go. We’ve been practicing and going against one another in several scrimmages during practice, so it’ll be nice to see another team.”

As for the early chance to prove the No. 9 ranking was deserved, Santesteban is ready to let the players decide things. “The national ranking this early in the season is a show of respect for what we have accomplished in this program at San Jac,” he noted. “Year in and year out we are consistently one of the top 10 programs in the nation. Hopefully, we can come out against Richland, play strong, and get off to a quick start.”

All San Jac men’s soccer home games are played at the soccer field on the San Jacinto College South campus, located at 13735 Beamer Road in Houston.

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in more than 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150.

 

2010 NJCAA Preseason Poll (SJC 2010 opponent)

Rank School, 2009 Record

1. Tyler Junior College, 21-0-0

2. Georgia Perimeter College, 21-2-1

3. Schoolcraft College, 18-1-3

4. Louisburg College, 17-4-1

5. Yavapai College, 20-4-1

6. Illinois Central College, 16-0-3

7. Essex County College, 15-4-3

8. Mercer County Community College, 14-2-0

9. San Jacinto College, 10-7-1

10. Barton Community College, 20-5-0

11. Iowa Central Community College, 16-6-2

12. Garden City Community College, 15-4-0

13. Arizona Western College, 16-4-2

14. College of DuPage (Ill.), 14-4-2

15. Lincoln Land Community College, 16-4-2

Other schools receiving votes: Bryant & Stratton College, Community College of Baltimore County (Md.), Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, College of Southern Maryland, Darton College, Iowa Western Community College, Johnson County Community College, Massasoit Community College, Middle Georgia College, Monroe Community College, Northern Oklahoma College – Tonkawa, Phoenix College, Pima Community College, Western Texas College.