Loaded with numbers, experience Sweetwater looks for continued success

Another soccer season is about to start in Sweetwater.

The Wildcats built a roster of 25 varsity players and 44 students involved in the program. Moving into a new district, Sweetwater is joined by familiar faces now under District 3-A.

Adding to the mix, Sweetwater is led by interim head coach Ricardo Torres, who started working with the team in the middle of February.

Torres has experience working with a large majority of the roster through junior high, AYSL and Progresso.

“The most experienced players, they can play not only for them but to help other players,” Torres said. “I have spent more time on the sports side of it. With some players, it is learning the basics. With others, it is trying to improve their skills.”

He is joined by assistants Ty Campbell, Craig McKenzie and Joseph Teutimez.

Sweetwater is still set on the same goals. The Wildcats reached the region tournament last season and have done such four times between 2018 and 2023 — with the 2020 season excluded.

“I have big expectations for this group. We will be competitive and will try to win as many games as we can,” Torres said. “But I am focusing more on trying to have a good foundation with the team. I have a lot of expectations for most of the players, especially the players who have a lot of experience and have played at a higher level than recreational soccer.”

With an experienced roster, Sweetwater tallied only six seniors last season, bringing plenty of minutes played to 2024.

“The mentality, the willingness to try and the eagerness are what is best with this team. We have a lot of talent and the potential is there. But I think their mentality is a good change from the past years,” Torres added. “I think that is a great thing to have, the mentality.”

Shaping up

There are a couple of formations Sweetwater could run out this season. The opening week and a half will be decisive in setting what goes forward.

The Wildcats are working with a 3-4-3, but also have the classic 4-4-2 available.

“We are trying to do a 3-4-3, which is very risky. It is something that is not very popular right now but, with the type of players we have, we think that will be something we can use,” Torres said. “They are competing for the positions — including the seniors and the returners. They know that.

“It is something good to have it as a coach, but it is a good decision to have.”

Sweetwater has experience in the backline with Cristan Contreras, Jesus Guzman, Xander Lacey, Demarth Upton and others. Torres is looking for his defenders to be comfortable with the ball on their feet.

“I want to see confidence in the first touch and confidence (in the position),” Torres said.

New faces in Jordan Evans and Colton Holder can factor in.

Torres looks for his midfield to have a spark, knowledge of what to do with the ball and the ability to make plays. Gabby Bedolla, Justin Deaton and Cam Pippin are among the returners.

Will Bowman and Bryce Teutimez factor in as freshmen.

Torres' goal for the attackers is simple: score goals.

Good thing he has the 2023 District 4-A Player of the Year Brennan Teutimez, who holds the record for goals in a single season from his debut junior year.

“I think he will have more help this year on the top. We have a pretty solid core on the team and I expect him to score more goals,” Torres said. “If he can score more goals than the amount he scored last season that would be great.”

Teutimez tallied 25 goals and six assists last season.

“I want to see confidence in them and to know the basics. I am not asking them to be professional, but to learn the basics, use what they know and try their best,” Torres added.

Torres hinted at surprises in the attack. Listed as forwards on the roster are: Deaton, Guzman, Victor Lyon, Cy Prince, Angel Quintino, Abram Torres and Upton.

“All I can tell you is that you would be surprised. We have the players who played last year, but I think you will be surprised by some kids,” Torres added.

Sweetwater will be replacing goalkeeper Sean McKenzie. The battle for that spot rests between freshman Aaron Torres and sophomore Aiden McKenzie.

A quarter century

It is a challenge that Torres says he has not faced before, but a problem worth having. Sweetwater rosters 25 players on varsity.

The number is even two spots greater than what FIFA allows international teams to bring to the World Cup.

“It is a challenge. I knew they had a lot of players, but I have never had this many kids,” Torres said. “It is a very good thing to have. Having the help I have with the assistant would make it easier. We need to work on how we manage with the kids.

“We want to have a good season with the varsity, but we also want to have the kids have playing time. We have to find a balance.”

The competition is amongst a staggering number of players, notably for a school of 559 students, per the TSSAA and reported on Sept. 16, 2022.

“Everyone is trying hard. They have their own expectations and they have high expectations. I think that is why they try and listen to the coaches,” Torres said. “I am excited to see how this group of players will change the way Sweetwater sees soccer. I am excited to see what these kids will change in our community.”