We See the Number, They Shed the Blood

Having just ended their 2022 season, the men's soccer team is nothing short of overflowing with potential. Even though it was a challenging season, their foundation exposes the heart and dedication they pour out on and off the field.

Captain Rigo Castillo said, "The work that has been done on the field was tremendous. Even if we were down, we didn't quit. Off the field, we applied ourselves in the classroom, guys pulled through to contribute to the team academically. We showed school spirit, showing up to Chapel, volleyball games, and supporting our athletic trainer Rob for being there for us."

Each of the players showed forms of resilience physically and mentally, tackling countless injuries and setbacks. They persisted through the toughest of matches. Lots of maturities were grown and the team's potential was made obvious during practice. With the undeniable talent on this team, this group still has a lot to show for.

Rigo added that the off-season would be filled with "Outside activities and team bonding. See what we can fix and improve on and make the program better as a whole. We're trying to recruit more and get to know each other outside of soccer".

From the outsider's perspective, you don't see the determination, blood, sweat, pain and tears that go on in these men's daily pursuit of greatness. You see the final scores of games. You don't see the shift of mindset and the brotherhood they have developed. Something they could have only done with each other and everything they have gone through together.

From pre-game pep talks, hyping each other up on the field, and learning with each match, spectators will never know what it's like to be in their jersey and in their shoes.

Discipline is the greatest component as the team needs a strong foundation of consistency and dedication to be successful.

Head coach Franklyn Joseph said, "As I reflect on this past season, on a surface/box score level it seems that not much has been achieved. Looking beyond the surface level and into the roots of the program, I believe we have made strides forward with our overall culture and spiritual formation on the team. I'm extremely proud of the character we displayed on this year's team. Coaching through this season was definitely made easier by these growth minded individuals, who clearly understands that building a healthy program is a process. Team culture/atmosphere for me was and will continue to be the most important foundational piece in building a healthy successful program. Now that we have made some strides forward in this area, we want to continue building the program by shifting our attention to the next piece in the building process- playing good soccer. As we look forward to the rest of the current year and into next year, we are working hard in recruiting the right type of student-athletes that complement our school and program."

Eddie Arnett Asst. Director of Athletics added, "I'm very pleased with the perseverance, heart, and resolve of our men's program as they continually linked arms and fought throughout the season. They experienced incredible adversity but continued to pursue success despite hardship."

When asked about who the standout players of the season were, the co-captain listed five players on the roster. He said "Gio Ortega (FR/El Monte, CA) is phenomenal on and off the field. Vinny Costagliola for his leadership, care for the team and no-quit mentality. Erick Martinez (SO/Arleta, CA), the amount of effort, aggression, and technical skill is amazing, he pushes hard. Ben Rose (JR/Oceanside, CA), he came in as a new student not knowing the system, he was the only player that played every minute of every game and had so much stamina to push through and give it his all. Richie Cortes (SR/Cathedral City, CA), he stepped up big time in the goal. He had a lot of expectations coming into that role and it was helpful.

The Sea Beggars already have high hopes for next season. Rigo said about the upcoming year, "I expect to see a lot more discipline. I want them to take the off-season seriously to continue to train and better themselves and build the program. In order to get results, we need to put in 100%. I expect to see high-quality players. Guys that are evenly rounded athletes. Skillful."

These men go above and beyond what it means to be irrepressible on the field, no matter what obstacle comes their way. Providence's men's soccer team has persisted with nowhere to go but up.

By: Valeria Garcia