CHS boys face depth concerns

CLOVIS — The coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot of things, and it’s still affecting the Clovis High boys soccer program.

An abbreviated spring season didn’t allow proper preparation time. While the schedule has returned somewhat to normal, veteran coach Greg Trujillo said the Wildcats are looking to overcome having four senior returnees opt out this fall.

“At least we’ll be more prepared (for the season) fitness-wise,” he said.

Trujillo, whose team went 4-4 overall and 2-4 in District 4-5A in the spring, said depth is a major concern for the Cats.

“The only question mark for me is if we can stay healthy,” he said. “Hopefully, we can come together as the season goes.”

Among the top returnees, all seniors, are defender Pedro Ariza, forward/midfielder Jorge Barraza and goalkeeper D.J. Maldonado. The Cats have added senior midfielder Santi Garbarino, a transfer from Clovis Christian who has club soccer experience, while Trujillo is hoping senior forward Lester Malladares could have an impact after playing junior varsity as a sophomore before sitting out in the spring.

The Cats’ first two matches are at home, including Thursday’s 5:30 p.m. opener against defending Class 4A runnerup Lovington, before they are slated to hit the road for 11 consecutive outings.

Coming off the shortened season, the District 4-5A race is open, Trujillo said.

“It’s a tossup,” he said. “Like I told the guys, we could possibly have a decent season. Hobbs lost quite a bit (to graduation), but they’re still going to be good, and Roswell High and Carlsbad didn’t have JV teams last spring.”

Meantime, one-time boys assistant Ray Rodriguez has replace longtime Lady Wildcats coach Traci Sievers. He said he wants his team to play more of an attacking style, and said the Lady Cats are in good shape coming in with a veteran core.

“I’m expecting a pretty good season,” he said. “We’ve got a good, strong core of seven or eight seniors, and that’s something to build on.

“I really think the hardest thing for me and for the girls is trying to (change) to more of an attacking style.”

Back for the Lady Cats this season are senior forward Nave Coronado, senior midfielders Luisa Garza and Illeana Griego, senior defenders Ximena Rascon and Emily Byrd, junior forward Caley Adams and sopomore midfielder Aspen Ulibarri.

Rodriguez said the district is “pretty tough,” but he believes his contingent is ready to make some noise.

“I think teams are going to be surprised when they come up against the Lady Wildcats,” he said. “The girls are coming along good. They’re picking up what I’m trying to teach them.”

CHS, which is still looking to fill the assistant’s position under Rodriguez, has canceled out of a season-opening tournament at Taos this weekend due to concerns over having to stay overnight. The Lady Cats’ season opener is now set for Aug. 23 against Lovington.