Spartans’ work ethic and brotherhood fuel undefeated run so far

Central High School boys soccer is having an incredible season, posting an undefeated 15-0-3 record with 12 shutouts

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Central Spartans have turned a youthful roster into one of the most dominant teams in the area, riding chemistry, discipline and relentless work ethic to an unbeaten 15-0-3 record with 12 shutouts this season.

"We just try to reach our goal, win every game we can," said senior defender Bryan Ortiz. "Doing better than last year, winning our regional state, whatever comes and, do our best every game, every practice."

That mindset has powered a squad built largely on underclassmen, but head coach Alonso Garcia says the team’s age has not held it back.

“It is a very young team in age,” Garcia said. “But soccer-wise — soccer IQ, skill, everything else — it’s all there. It’s just a little bit under sized, but we complement that very well with our skill.”

Players echo that sentiment, saying experience together matters far more than age.

“In soccer, I think age doesn’t matter,” Ortiz said. “We have a pretty young team, and we have done pretty good.”

Much of that success stems from continuity. Many of the Spartans have played together for nearly their entire lives.

“Most of the sophomores here and the freshmen have been together since we were, I don’t know, five or six years old,” said sophomore defender Ivan Quintero. “We’ve built a team around that, and now we’re all together here at high school. I think it’s such a blessing that we get to come together and make this team possible.”

That familiarity has helped push Central to another level after finishing as runner-up a season ago.

“I think last year we mostly tried to play off two or three players,” Quintero said. “But I think we’re more of a complete team now, and I think we can score more goals this way.”

Consistency and discipline have also been key ingredients.

“I think it’s kind of the same as always, consistency and discipline,” Ortiz said. “I was practicing every day, Monday to Sunday. That same consistency, that’s hard work. That’s what pays off.”

Behind the scenes, Alonso credits strong support from parents, administrators and kids for helping sustain the program’s success.

“When you have that type of parent support and administration support, you’re already ahead of the game,” Alonso said. “There’s no offseason for [the players]. That high work ethic is one of the big reasons why we’re having a lot of success. Yes, you need skill. Yes, you need individual talent, but at the end of the day, it’s the work ethic these guys put in throughout the year.”

Now, the Spartans are chasing what could be a historic undefeated season, with their sights set on a CIF regional championship.

“It would mean so much to me, and to the team and the coaches,” Quintero said. “The coaches have been here for so long. I know it would mean a lot to them. It’s just a blessing.”

With momentum on their side, the sky appears to be the limit for the Central Spartans as the postseason approaches.