Christian Reyes

Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Landing nine all conference players eases some disappointment for the Santa Rosa Junior College men’s soccer squad after falling short in contending for the state title.

Led by team most valuable player Christian Reyes, the Bear Cubs placed three players on the Big 8 All-Conference First Team. Joining the defender from Montgomery High were midfielder Spencer Selak, from El Cerrito, and defender Alejo Curiel, out of Casa Grande.

Big 8 All-Conference Second Team honors went to: Eddy Alvarado, forward, Ukiah; Josh Hill, forward, Montgomery; Jerimiah Mahan, midfielder, El Molino; Kevin McKeon, defender, Rancho Cotate; Denis Power, defender, Sacred Heart (San Francisco); and Arnaldo Salazar, midfielder, El Camino (Whittier).

Santa Rosa went 8-7-3 on the 2011 campaign, ending a four year run as Big 8 Conference champions. What hurt the Bear Cubs most was not finishing off close matches.

At season’s end, Santa Rosa was ranked 18th in Northern California.
The all-conference accolades reflected a deep, skilled team. Many sophomores are expected to play at four year colleges.

Reyes already has earned a scholarship to play at Cal State Los Angeles. Last season, Cal State LA won the California Collegiate Athletic Association championship, which is Sonoma State’s conference, and took the NCAA Division II West Region title, finishing eighth in the national rankings.