2024 Men's Soccer Season Preview
Providence Christian College men's soccer team prepares to kick off the 2024 season. Under the guidance of Coach Robert Gurule, the Sea Beggars strive to exhibit perseverance and sportsmanship in every game, honoring the gifts they've received from God while playing together.
Senior captains CJ Castro and Elijah Venderveen will lead this group of men. CJ Castro is determined to work hard, refine his technical skills, create offensive plays, and keep the central midfield formation strong. When asked about what he was looking forward to this season, CJ said, "We can already see our team getting one percent better every day. That's our goal. We want to improve individually and help each other improve, even if it is just a little. As we strive to keep the same mindset as one team, I'm looking forward to seeing what the team will look like by the end of this season. This applies to both on and off the field. My hope is that our community, friends, and family will see the posture of our hearts as rejoiceful to God and that it will remain that way no matter the circumstance." Elijah Vanderveen wants to exemplify great leadership by being the most consistent and strongest player on the team. When asked about what he wants the Providence community to see in the team, Elijah answered, "I hope the Providence community sees a team that works hard, plays with heart, and embodies values like respect, discipline, and humility. We want to be known for our effort and our encouragement of one another, whether we're winning or learning from a loss. Most of all, I hope they see a group that strives to reflect true character both in victory and defeat."
With his returning squad, Coach Gurule added nine recruits, and he anticipates each one will be an outstanding addition and should boost the team this season. Junior transfer Mario Trujillo, who received Western State Conference South Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022, is eager to make a statement with a positive attitude and determined to defend the post and make big saves in games ahead. Isaiah Quintanilla, Ronald Jackson, Angelo Funes, and Henry Fikkert look to hold down the back line and be a defensive force for the Sea Beggars. Junior transfer Diego Aparicio will impact the team's offense tremendously and brings a keen soccer IQ, good vision, and technical ability, which will challenge others in a positive way. With Diego's knowledge of the game and ability to see the field, sophomore transfer Ryan Quinn looks to find open spaces to receive passes and make goals up top. Jackson Maples and Kaulin Cummins, crossover athletes representing Providence in men's soccer and baseball, have also joined the team. Their commitment to fill the team's needs will uplift the team, and they hope to make an impact on and off the field. With the addition of high-quality, skilled individuals, we are excited to see how their energy will complement the intensity of the returners.
Returning for Providence are seniors Erick Martinez, Graeme Vander Meulen, and Slaiwa Youhanna. The team will rely heavily on Erick for transitioning the ball from defense to offense and left to right. His creativity will be key to breaking down the defense and executing an offensive play. In his final year with the Sea Beggars, we expect him to have his best year yet. Graeme Vande Meulen looks to strengthen the defensive line and make it difficult for opponents to score goals. Graeme ended last year strong, and he looks to start off this new season like he ended. Along with Graeme, Slaiwa will be on the defensive line, stopping opponents' forwards from making offensive plays. We believe that sophomore Spencer Hillner will be an explosive element offensively, as he works hard at a high level and continues to use his speed. As one of the more versatile and technical players on the team, Spencer will move around in the formations and create havoc for the opponent. Sophomore Danny Tuck hopes to maintain ball possession for the Sea Beggars and create impactful plays. The returners look to unite together and hope to be successful this season.
When asked about what he is looking forward to this season, Coach Rob Gurule answered, "I am looking forward to creating a new culture based on respecting each other and bringing in players that want to make a difference on the team and at Providence." Coach Gurule added, "I expected the Providence community to see this team determined to change the image of men's soccer. Our theme this season is respect, and we hope to earn the respect of every team in the conference, every team we face, and every spectator who comes out to watch."
The Sea Beggars are working hard to prepare for the season, and they want you to come out with energy and lift up the team. We hope for extraordinary success with a mix of experienced returning players and highly anticipated new recruits. Go and cheer on these young men as they start their new journey with grit and determination on Monday, September 16th, against Stanton University at 9 a.m. on Villa Parke Field in Pasadena, CA. Let's go, Sea Beggars!