“There are going to be a lot of players who don’t really know each other so it’s going to be good to have these three players who have played together for a long time and can give the team an idea of how to communicate,” said Cortes-Garcia, who graduated from Fortuna in 2011.
The Corsairs also landed Del Norte’s Jesus Herrera, who graduated in 2014 after playing four years on the varsity team, earning an All-Big Five selection, and he also spent time with the Rogue Valley Timbers traveling team in Oregon.
“I really like his playing style,” Cortes-Garcia said. “He makes quick decisions, he’s fast with a strong physique and powerful with the ball, he knows what to do.”
The CR men’s soccer team was reinstated earlier this year, ending a four-year hiatus due to budget cuts made back in 2011.
Now, Cortes-Garcia has an opportunity to build the program from the ground up and he’s very happy to have a solid foundation as the players head into summer break.
“All of these guys are versatile and can play multiple positions, which is nice,” he said. “They all bring something different to the table and they’re all really excited for the opportunity to represent Humboldt County.”
According to the new head coach, scheduling has been a challenge as CR jumps back into the game after a four-year break, but overall he’s happy with how the team is progressing through the early stages.
“I like players who have a tough mentality and look to attack, but can also defend” Cortes-Garcia said. “And all of these guys have that ability. Francisco is a quality attacker with strong leadership skills and we’ll look for him to be a forward and goal scorer.”
And the coach has his bases covered defensively.
“I tried to focus on players in the defensive aspect that can play multiple positions within the defense,” Cortes-Garcia said. “And that’s what I’m looking for in Miguel and Mario. They’re both quality players who are smart with the ball and they’re effort is contagious.”
The Corsairs first game of the fall season will be Sept. 4 at Napa.
CR is offering a summer soccer class, which begins June 22 and the team’s official tryouts will be be August 15.
For more information about the CR men’s soccer program, phone coach Cortes-Garcia at 707-601-4493 or email pedro-cortesgarcia@redwoods.edu.