The Venice boys soccer team is working together to turn their season around. With a current league record of 2-7-2 the team is looking to improve their score. Seniors Hector Arriaga and Oswaldo Sanchez are two standout players who can help their team improve their record as league games come to a close.

“You can see their passion for the sport,” said varsity coach Ivan Gomez. “You can distinguish how much they care about how the team is performing.” With passion and perseverance Arriaga and Sanchez prove to be a valuable asset to their team.

Arriaga plays the central mid position while leading his team as he fulfills his role as captain.

“I tell my team what to do and I help them get possession of the ball when we play other teams,” said captain Arriaga.

Arriaga has played on the Venice varsity soccer team for three years and is looking to end this season with a bang, as this is his last year in a Gondo uniform. Looking forward to the future, Arriaga is ready to continue his soccer career in college.

“ I want to try out for CSUN, CSULA, or CSUDH,” said Arriaga.

Coming in second is Sanchez, who plays the striker position and is in charge of helping his team score goals.

“I communicate with my team.” said Sanchez. “I help the boys remain cool when we’re in tough situations.”

Sanchez has carried his team mentally and has never given up, even when the game isn’t going as planned. This year the team will also be saying goodbye to Sanchez as this is his last year on the team. Although Sanchez said he lives for the sport, he doesn’t think he will continue playing in college.

“If I have the opportunity I will try to play,” said Sanchez. “As of right now, I think I’m going to focus on my studies.”

Without the help from their coach, these two players wouldn’t be the athletes they are today.

“He always tells us to keep our head up when we’re losing,” said Sanchez. “Since he played the sport at Venice he has experience and makes us believe anything is possible.”

Losing two of his star seniors, Coach Gomez is sad to see them go, but is looking forward to training the next players to come.