By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports
(September 7, 2024 8:00 AM ET) Standing on the soccer field five years ago as an eighth grader, Jackson Christian High School soccer player Christian Guerrero just hoped the Royals would score and possibly win.
Today, the Royals are ranked No. 4 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association and flying high at 5-0.
With victories over ranked teams, the Royals are looking for more.
“In my head, we are state contenders,” Guerrero said. “It is finally here as we work together well and play as a team.”
Guerrero and childhood friend Aaden Breton anchor the back line as defender and goalie, respectively. The Royals have outscored opponents 20-2 in five games this season.
“We have been friends and classmates since kindergarten,” Guerrero said of Breton. “With have a great friendship and connection on and off the soccer field.”
Jackson Christian has changed its defense from four defenders to three plus the goalie. That gives the Royals a chance for more offensive opportunities this season.
“Our goals are to win every ball and hand it off to the midfielders,” Guerrero said. “I tell my two wingmen to stay calm and wait for them (their opponents) to mess up.
“We play good defense.”
Guerrero and the defense get a chance to go against a solid offense every day in practice. The Royals have speed at the forward position led by Walelign Bizenigaw and Drew Barney.
“The dribbling skills by Drew are amazing,” Guerrero said. “We challenge one another in order to improve as a defense.”
Guerrero would like to play soccer in college and has kept his eyes on Spring Arbor University the last four years.
“I would love to play college soccer at SAU … they communicate well and play really fast,” Guerrero said. “I like their intensity.”
Guerrero was born the son of two soccer players and has been playing the sport since age three. It has taught him numerous life lessons.
“Sports teaches you to improve every day and not be satisfied at where you are (as a skill level),” Guerrero said. “Being with the team helps make friendships and teams play better with chemistry.”
Guerrero has a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and hopes to major in something sports related in college. He works as a soccer referee for club games.
“Coaching is something I want to do in the future,” Guerrero said. “I just want to stay involved in the sport of soccer.”
