By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
The West Michigan area is home to some outstanding soccer programs that have played an elite level of soccer for years. At Lee High School, the Legends soccer team is working hard to add its name to the list of premier soccer teams in the area.
Since entering the Alliance League two years ago, the Legends have elevated their play on the field and have been contending for the league title. Two years ago, the Legends turned in the best record in conference play, but were ineligible for the league title as a first-year team. Last season Lee won the Alliance League title and this year the Legends finished first with a perfect league record of 8-0.
Lee finished the regular season with a record of 11-3-1. The Legends also have been garnering state-wide recognition as they were ranked 12th in Division 3 in the state rankings the last week of September.
Winning a second consecutive league title has been anything but easy for the Legends who graduated some key players from last year’s squad and also have been dealing with adversity this season.
“We have a younger team this year,” said Lee Coach Hugo Cano, in his third year coaching the team. “We have six seniors, but overall, we are a pretty young team. We have also gone through a lot of adversity both on and off the field. We really emphasized to the guys to play hard and stay strong mentally and they definitely show that resiliency and drive this year.
“The team unity is a strong point this year and going through the adversity has brought our players together.”
On the field, the team unity is evident as the Legends have won several close games and play strong defense. During league play this season the Legends have allowed just five goals. A major highlight victory for Lee came on September 21 when it defeated Muskegon Western Michigan Christian, the No. 2 ranked team in the state in Division 4 and a defending state champion, 2-1.
“That was our biggest win so far this season,” Cano said. “We played our most complete game of the season in that win. The team played together and it was an overall great team effort.”
Lee also tested itself against the best in the state in Division 3 when it played Hudsonville Unity Christian in a non-league game. Lee led Unity Christian 1-0 at the half in that game before Unity rallied in the second half to win the game.
On offense, the Legends rely on a balanced attack. Junior Javier Zamora leads the team in scoring, while fellow junior Aundrey Hernandez is second on the team.
“Aundrey and Javier are our leading scorers but we have different players scoring from different positions,” Cano said. “Our goals are coming from different positions on the field.”
In the midfield, the Legends are paced by senior Alexis Rivera, who also has added a couple of goals and a couple of assists this season.
“Alexis’ soccer IQ, his vision on the field and his ability to read defenses is very crucial for us,” Cano said.
On the backline, the Lee defense is led by senior Carlos Herrera-Santos and senior Kevin Mencho. Sophomore backs Edwin Flores and Brian Herrera also have added to the depth on defense. The Legends also are strong in goal with senior goalkeeper Christian Diaz.
“Christian is a team captain,” Cano said. “He has a great understanding of the game and helps keep us very well organized in the back.”
Legends very deep
Overall, the Legends have a deep team with contributions coming from many players on the squad. Seniors Victor Huitron and Justin Gomez have provided key contributions. Senior Denison Vasquez has been a key multi-role player for the squad. Junior forward Gera Perez has provided strong play at forward. Junior Kevin Meza and sophomore Aaron Perez have added to the strong depth along with Nazareth Maldonado-Martinez, Ruvino Bautista-Perez and Jose Ayala.
The total-team effort will be needed when state tournament play opens as Lee competes at the rugged Covenant Christian Division 3 district. Lee opens district play October 12 against Kentwood Grand River Prep. The district also includes Unity, ranked No. 2 in the state and Godwin Heights, ranked 14th.
Aiming for Top 15 every year
“We’ve had a lot of positives the last three years as a program,” Cano said. “We want to get the program to where we can be a top 15 team in the state in Division 3 every year. We want to be a top contender in the conference and the district every year.
“I also want to thank coach Oliver and Coach Andrew for all the work they do and our Athletic Director Sarge (Andre Sargent) for all the support he gives our program. I also want to give a shout out to Erving#13.”
