The season record for the AJMS soccer team was six losses, one win, and one tie. The starters for the team were eighth graders Larry Najera, Omar Sanchez, Nathan Hernandez, Alejandro Camarillo, Darbil Alvarado, Leam Aceituno and Jacob Gomez, and seventh graders Yerar Munoz, Jonathan Reyes, Guillermo Francisco and Jesus.
In order to play in games we had to show up to practice, which took place at Ross Synder Recreation Center. Mr. Diaz would push the team to play the best of their ability. He would show tactics before games and give them motivational speeches and give out the starting lineups.`
The team’s first win was at Adventist Academy, where they played against Prepa Tec and won the game by 3-1. In this game, the first half was a tie (1-1) with Prepa Tec scoring the first goal and then AJMS scoring the other goal. Omar Sanchez, the goalkeeper for the AJMS team, chose to switch positions at half time and instead played on defense and Abraham Marcellez played as goalkeeper. When the second half started, the AJMS team now had a strong defender and was able to prevent further goals from Prepa Tech. This led to Animo Jefferson scoring two more goals and winning the game.
Staff writer Abraham Marcellez interviewed David Castilla, Leam Aceituno, Jacob Gomez, and Coach Diaz about the season:
Abraham Marcellez: What was the hardest part about playing in the games?
Jacob Gomez: The fields.
AM: Why were the fields the hardest part?
JG: There were bumps, holes and the grass was bad.
AM: How did you feel after winning our first game?
JG: I felt surprised and joy.
AM: What surprised you the most?
JG: The win because we haven’t won in three years.
AM: How long were you in the team for?
JG: Like three years.
AM: Out of the three years of being on the team, what year was the best?
JG: This year 2026.
AM: Why was it the best year?
JG:Â Because we had more chances to play as eighth graders.
AM: Did the eighth graders do better than last year?
JG: Yes, because we had more experience.
AM: What could we have done to win more games?
JG: More communication and quicker passes.
Abraham Marcellez: How did it feel to be in the team?
Leam Aceituno: It felt pretty good because I played in every game and because last year I played only two games for only a few minutes.
AM: What position did you play?
LA: Center defensive.
AM: Did you like to play that position?
LA: Honestly, yea I normally like to play higher up, but with the teammates I had I felt they were better there
AM: How long were you in the team?
LA: This year and last year for only a little bit.
AM: Was this year better than last year?
LA: It was way better than last year, playing wise and teamwise.
AM: What do you think we could have done to win more games?
LA: Honestly, maybe pressing more because in some games we played lazy.
Abraham Marcellez: Did you like being on the team?
David Castilla: Kinda…even though I really never got any playing time, it was still fun to watch.
AM: What could’ve you done to play in games?
DC: Go to practice because most of the time I wasn’t able to go.
AM: What is some advice you’ll give to future AJMS players?
DC: To go to practice because if you don’t you won’t play in games and to try your hardest.
Coach Miguel Diaz: Everybody on the team is very talented. They will do well in their future teams.
