PHOENIX – Coming off a playoff appearance during the 2023-24 season, the Bourgade Catholic boys soccer team is entering the upcoming season with optimism and a renewed focus on team chemistry and player development.
The Golden Eagles who went 6-3-3 and earned a playoff berth last year, are facing a new challenge this season: a move to a different region for the first time since 2020. While the schedule is expected to be more manageable, eight-year head coach Alejandro Luna is cautious but optimistic.
“We certainly see ourselves in the top portion of the region,” Luna said. “We have a lot to prove not only four ourselves but for the program. We should be in 2A based on numbers, but in terms of competition, we belong in 3A.”
One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the influx of young talent. The Golden Eagles soccer program is loaded with potential, as most of the roster is freshmen and sophomores.
“The off-season has been great,” Luna said. “They’ve been out here almost every training session, and that’s crucial for team development.”
The varsity’s defensive backbone will be lead by junior Erick Alvarez, a center-back who has been a starter on varsity since his freshmen year. Alvarez, who’s been playing soccer almost as long as he could walk, is now one of the key leaders for Bourgade.
“It’s been good because the younger guys are integrating with the varsity players. They’re learning from us and getting the experience they need,” Alvarez said. “We’re creating a brotherhood, and when we go to war on the field, we’ve got each other’s backs.”
With so many new players, building team chemistry is a priority for the Golden Eagles. Coach Luna is focused on finding the team’s identity, especially with a large group of underclassmen stepping into key roles this year.
“We lost a lot of seniors last year, and finding that team identity is the biggest thing we’re working on this season,” Luna said. “No team is ever the same, and that’s what excites me about coaching. This team has a chance to create its own dynamic.”
With the move to the 3A Metro region this season, Bourgade Catholic will face tough opponents like Northwest Christian, who has consistently been a roadblock in the playoffs for the Golden Eagles, and Gilbert Christian, which lost the 3A boys soccer championship in February against Tucson’s Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. Despite the challenges these teams present, Luna is confident that his squad can compete at a high level.
“Playoffs are always a soft goal, but I think we’re at the point where playoffs are an expectation,” Luna said. “For me, success isn’t always about winning; it’s about developing players and improving. We should be better at the end of the season than we were at the start.”
The 2024 season will be a period of transition and growth as the Golden Eagles solidify the program’s future.
“Everything we do has a purpose,” Luna said. “If the players don’t take it seriously and hold each other accountable, they won’t go into games with the confidence they need.”
The Golden Eagles will begin their season on the road against Kingman High School on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. They will host their home opener on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Bourgade Catholic High School against Tonopah Valley High School.