Marshalltown Community College head men's soccer coach Rafael Martinez saw the 2012 season as the beginning of a bright future for the Tigers' program. Martinez and the Tigers enter the 2013 campaign with a full head of steam with the regular season set to kick off on August 25.
The Tigers recorded the one of the most successful seasons in program history last year, placing fifth overall at the NJCAA tournament. Martinez led MCC to a 14-6-2 record which included a Region XI Championship, a 1-1 record at the national tournament, and a No. 9 final ranking in the NJCAA poll. The Tigers finished third overall at the 2008 NJCAA Tournament.
"Last season we built the foundation" said Martinez. "Now it is time to maintain that positive momentum and continue to show what our program is capable of."
MCC brings back a solid core of returning players from last year's successful run. The Tigers return eight players from last year while introducing 17 newcomers to the program. Martinez highlighted a trio of veterans that carry over a wealth of leadership to this year's team.
"Alex Galvan will have a great impact on our team, just by the way he plays the game" stated Martinez. As a freshman, Galvan started 19 games for the Tigers, recording two points and two assists on the year. The six points are not eye-popping, but Martinez acknowledged Galvan's impact outside of the statistics. "The numbers don't mean a thing once you see him play the game. He is much more important to this team than the numbers. His play from the central midfield position really leads the team."
Martinez also recognized Marcus Boehler to play a critical role for the Tigers this year. "Marcus has such a great attitude. His speed will really be a major factor for us this year, just as it was last year." Boehler contributed 10 points last year, including an assist on the game-winning goal in the semifinals of the Region XI Tournament.
Martinez will also look to sophomore Ralph Duopu to build on his freshman season. "Ralph has tremendous leadership skills, something we really value. He is a coach on the field for us."
While seven players return with at least 17 career games played under their belt, Martinez understands the importance of the incoming freshman as well.
"Freshman Celes Vilar is really able to connect the midfield and the offensive third, he enjoys having the ball at his feet." Vilar is a 6'2" freshman from the Canary Islands. Martinez will also look to Juan Carillo, a 5'6" freshman from Cordoba, Spain to have a strong offensive impact for the Tigers. Bill Baye, a redshirt freshman, will provide a strong defensive presence for the Tigers after sitting out the 2012 season.
MCC also welcomes two freshman goalkeepers to the squad after the Tigers graduated both netminders from last season. Martinez praised the hard work of assistant coach Creighton Jenness for his hard work with Andrew Waterfall and Julian Pena. The two rookies will compete for playing time.
The Tigers open up the season officially on August 25 against Grand View JV. MCC will take part in four scrimmages leading up to the season, including the team's first exhibition at Grand View on August 10. Martinez sees a challenging nonconference schedule as an opportunity for the Tigers.
"These first two weeks will really prepare us for the conference schedule." Martinez pointed out a home date against Cloud County Community College, the 2011 NJCAA National Champion as the team's first big test. "We have never seen them before on the field, but we will be ready to compete with them." The Tigers will make their annual trek to Rosemount, MN three days later to take part in the Kickoff Classic at Dakota County Technical College.
The Tigers have Sept. 11 in their sights as well as MCC travels to perennial powerhouse Iowa Western for the conference opener. MCC defeated the Reivers in the Region XI Championship last season. "This will put us to the test early on" Martinez added.
The Tigers look to use a balanced attack this year to outmatch their 2012 success, but Martinez zeroed in on the defense to play an integral role this year. "Our offense looks to be better than last year and we have solid defensive organization, but it is our defense that will be the key to our success this year."
Along with veteran assistant coaches Allie Osmundson and Jenness, Martinez points out the hard work that has been put into the MCC program. "We really appreciate everyone at MCC for working together, both on the field and in the classrooms to help our program reach its potential. We have worked so hard to bring our program back into the national spotlight."
As for his outlook on the upcoming year, Martinez has no trouble admitting his lofty goals. "After seeing what we were capable of last year, we have the highest expectations for the upcoming year. We respect all of our opponents, but we are ready to compete with everyone. We want to go for everything."
