Wheaton Soccer Clubs Ready for Bounce-Back Season

Despite stark levels of success last season, both the boys and girls soccer teams at Wheaton High School have high expectations for their players this year.

The girls team finished the season a disappointing 0-12. The boys team, conversely, went an impressive 8-2-1 last year with the help of 12 seniors on the roster, coach Oscar D. Amaguana said Friday. This year, however, only six of the team's 20 members are seniors, which according to Amaguana could make winning more difficult.

Brandi L. Valencia, coach of the girls soccer team, said in the email that the year is "looking good" since eight of the team's 17 players are returning from last year's team. Valencia believes that the soccer team has a strong defense, and an incoming freshman forward named Meghan Culkin could be a great asset.

The Wheaton school faces outside pressures to succeed. Amaguana said he is always forced to rebuild each year. At most schools, he said, students play on local club teams, which allows the students to play all year long. 

Amaguana said because his team is made up of immigrant students, whose families often struggle to pay the dues associated with joining a local soccer club. The average club team charges as much as $1500 per student.

"My job is harder because it takes longer for the team to gel," Amaguana said. "Some of these kids haven't touched a ball in six or seven months. My goal is to get these guys together as quick as possible."

Amaguana expects it to take three of four weeks into the season before it can be determined how the team is working together. The season officially begins this week.