After opening the season with a 1-3 loss against El Monte, a 0-0 tie with Troy and now a 1-2 loss against Rowland, Diamond Bar High School boys soccer remains optimistic with an overall record of 1-2-2.

Unlike previous years, the team has undergone significant changes in its roster, introducing new players to varsity and reshaping the team’s chemistry. New team players this season include freshman Nathan Rubalcaba; sophomores Aaron Rickard and Marcelo Mou; juniors Milan Mehta, Collin Pearce, Kevin Saad, Brian Vu, Adrian Lazaro and Jay Shin; and seniors Max Paredones, Zain Waraich, Hamza Motiwala, Eddie Lugo, Carlos Diaz, Arturo Delgado, Brandon Troglia and Luke Arias.

“This season, we look forward to being in a higher division and are ready for the challenge,” senior forward Jacob Toohey said. “I stay motivated by wanting to be in peak condition and putting my best effort in for my teammates.”

To prepare for the elevated competition, head coach Pete Orosco has implemented a rigorous training regimen, emphasizing strength training and intense conditioning during practices. The team undergoes heavy doses of conditioning, including running, weightlifting and cone drills to build the necessary endurance for the demanding matches ahead. 

“This year, we’ve been starting to rely on new strengths and strategies to succeed since we have very few returning players,” junior Jay Shin said. “There’s many younger players who are still adjusting to the team and we do not yet know what to expect from this year’s competition.”

As teammates  familiarize themselves with one another, they began to see the results of their hard work. Last week, the boys won their first game in the Walnut High tournament against La Salle High School 1-0.  

Players to keep an eye out for this season include senior midfielder Carter Haynes, whose agility and creative plays prove him to be a force to be reckoned with. Other standout players include center defenders Ethan Nguyen and Nathan Rublacava, whose impeccable teamwork gives the team’s defense a strong backbone.

“We want to work on our possession and ability to play fast one-two passes,” Toohey said. “Oftentimes we are too quiet on the field and are not on the same page so we need to work on our communication.”

The team’s next game is away this Wednesday against cross-town rivals Walnut High School.