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The Varsity Soccer Striker Guide

EFRAIN ONTIVEROS

Running up the sideline, Efrain Ontiveros, sees his teammate steal the ball and carry it up the field. Ontiveros yells for the ball and it is passed. The ball glides across the turf and Ontiveros runs up onto it. The defender is too far behind and Ontiveros sees a window to shoot. He breathes in and out and in a swift motion takes a shot securing yet another goal for the Bearcats. Ontiveros is a senior and has played varsity soccer for three years, and plays striker and right and left wing. He has been playing for 13 years. His commitment lies in soccer as he trains for two hours everyday— Sunday is his only rest day. If it wasn’t for his mom, Crystal Ontiveros, he would have never played soccer. At a ripe age of 5, his mother convinced him to simply try it and absolutely fell in love with it. Growing up, he watched Lionel Messi and fell in love with his playing style. Watching him on replay inspired Ontiveros in his soccer career. “I love soccer because it showed me how to care for others and how it feels to have a family,” Ontiveros said. Ontiveros considered all his teammates family—old and new. Every moment with them he cherishes, saying he can’t wait for the countless memories to come. Ontiveros hopes to do walk-on tryouts in college and continue his soccer career. He plans to attend a four year university and become a physical therapist or a coach for a professional team.

9

TOTAL GOALS THIS SEASON

KICK Ontiveros strikes the ball with his right lace. As he kicks, he locks his ankle to create power through his striking foot.

FOCUS Ontiveros looks up at his target (the goal), takes a deep breath, and looks down at the ball as he strikes it.

STANCE His left foot is planted as he strikes the ball with his right foot. After kicking the ball, he follows through with his shooting leg in the direction he aimed the ball.