BOYS’ SOCCER PREVIEW:Estancia yearns for competition

Estancia High boys’ soccer coach Gannon Burks is disappointed his team no longer shares a league with CIF Southern Section Division III power Saddleback, which won the 2004-05 section title.

Burks is entering his third year as coach and while his previous two teams were far from just a speed bump in Saddleback’s road to the playoffs, the Roadrunners were a roadblock the Eagles never fully surpassed.

This was the year when that would change as the Eagles lost only two starters from a team that made the playoffs. One of the starters the team lost is at goalkeeper and Burks feels like his replacement is more athletic.

The other is Golden West League Offensive Player of the Year Pedro Duarte, but Duarte’s younger brother Eric, a junior, has stepped in to fill that role. The younger Duarte scored the Eagles’ only goal in a 1-0 victory over La Habra in the wild-card game.

“[Saddleback] was the team we wanted to beat but never got over the hump,” Burks said. “I’ve been waiting a long time to have a team like this. The year they were section champs we tied them. They remember us very well. If we see Saddleback this year we beat them.”

Instead Burks will have to pit his team against the other three teams of the Orange Coast League, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach and Calvary Chapel. To prepare, the Eagles have a rigorous nonleague schedule, which includes the Millikan Tournament and the West Coast Classic.

The Eagles will also face Division I Edison and played defending Division I section champion Santa Margarita to a 2-2 tie, outscoring Santa Margarita, 2-0, in the second half on its home field.

The goal for the team this season is to win the league title.

“I told the seniors ‘There is no banner up in the gym, nothing here to signify you’ve even been on a soccer team,’ ” Burks said. “There’s something about this team. They’ve already come together. They’re good friends.”

Estancia is young and deep. Burks believes sophomore midfielder and forward George Olivas will be a star. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds Olivas, who is also a third-degree black belt, is a force on offense. Olivas, a first-team all-league pick who was second on the team in goals last season, was not available until this week because he is playing for his club team in a tournament in Missouri.

Duarte’s speed will be a good complement to Olivas’ size. And with five older brothers who all played soccer Duarte brings a lot of soccer knowledge to the team.

“He’s got soccer intelligence,” Burks said. “He’s seen all of his older brothers play and they’ve all schooled him.”

Senior forward Denny Perdomo, a first-team all-league selection, gives the offense options and depth.

“He can be a dominant force,” Burks said.

Senior defender Alex Salguero will anchor the defense.

“He has speed and a knack for the ball,” Burks said. “He leads by example.”

Senior defender Luis Guerrero, a captain, will take the center spot on defense.

“He is the opposite of Alex,” Burks said. “He’s good at directing.”

Sophomore Rony Argueta will also start on defense.

“He’s my super soph,” Burks said. “He plays like he’s playing chess out there.”

Senior Robert Abarca returns to split time as a defender and in the midfield.

“He’s 5-10, 190 and they’re going to have to go through him,” Burks said.

Junior midfielder and forward Jose Rodriguez brings extra determination to the team after being forced to sit out last year.

“He’s by far the fastest kid on the team,” Burks said. “He has the best foot skills on the team.”

Sophomore forward Jesus “Chuey” Garcia can play any position on the field. Before the game against Santa Margarita, Burks asked him to play stopper.

“They have a bunch of fast forwards,” Burks said. “He was able to get up under their skin.”

Senior Daniel Calderon will play goalkeeper.