The562’s coverage of St. Anthony athletics is sponsored by Jane & B.I. Mais, Class of 1948.
Fourth-year St. Anthony boys’ soccer coach Aaron Rodriguez is in charge of a senior heavy team that’s trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
“This senior class, they were freshmen when we made the playoffs so they come with a lot of experience and have played a lot of games for me. They’re excited to hopefully go out on a big bang this year.”
The bulk of the Saints experience comes on the wings of their attack where seniors Christian Davila and Christian Martin will look to create scoring opportunities. Martin finished last season with eight goals and six assists while Davila had nine goals and two assists.
“I’m 100% confident in them as long as they’re able to stay healthy, which they’re already doing right now. They’re gonna be really good in league play.”
In the middle of the field will be senior Ian Gutierrez while sophomore Troy Novoa will also look to step up and Cole Thometz will be at centerback. The Saints will have Jason Glenn at keeper who occasionally comes in on offense. He recorded 12 saves last season and recorded both an assist and a goal.
“They’re great. A lot of these boys even though they’re younger they have experience. Even a lot of our sophomores last year played every minute so they’re solid and ready to go. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone thrive in this environment.”
The Saints lose just two players from last year’s senior class and they’re looking to build on a fourth place finish in the Camino Real league. They finished last season 5-7-1 and 4-5-1 and fell in a couple of big matches down the stretch of the season.
“Even though we lost two key players last year we still have everyone else so it’s one of those things where we’re trying to build on last year. We were so close to the playoffs last year through the last three games and we just didn’t cross the finish line. So I think the hard work for this upcoming season is gonna pay off.”
St. Anthony opens its league schedule at St. Genevieve on Jan. 6 and also face marquee matchups against Paraclete on Jan. 15 and St. Paul on Jan. 17.
