The 2011 season for boys soccer at Juan Diego Catholic High School officially started the week of tryouts in late February, when the freshmen, junior varsity, and varsity teams had their first practices. The soccer program welcomed the addition of a freshmen-only team this year, due primarily to the large number of interested athletes.

Boys juggled, jogged, and dribbled on February 21st, trying their best to make the team.  Scott Platz has been the head coach at Juan Diego for five years now. He also is the assistant coach for the girl's soccer team in the fall. "We looked for players with skill, obviously, hard workers, and leadership in the upperclassmen," Platz said.  "For the underclassmen we wanted to get as many as we could. They have to be ready to contribute in varsity."

The JD boys soccer team has not yet claimed the title of region or state champions, but Platz says this year is their best shot. Last season was rough for the boys and they lost many close games.  They suffered two losses in overtime and in several other games the opposing team was only ahead by one. However, being so close last year has made this year's sophomores, juniors, and seniors hungrier for the win. 

This season, the boys want to press deeper into the state tournament.  "Our overall goal is to win regionals," Platz said. "We want to go where we haven't been before."  Platz believes the team can make it to the semi-finals or, even better, the final championship game. "This team has a lot of heart and a lot of drive," Platz added.

Most of the seniors have been with the team since they were freshmen, and they have great leadership traits.  This year is the second year senior Skyler Doran was voted team captain.  “The guys are amazing, and Skyler’s a great leader,” said Carlos Robles, a sophomore on the team. "This team will go as far as our senior class can take us," Platz added. 

The team so far has scored eleven goals, and at least six of them have been from corner kicks. "We dominate in the air," Platz said. The season is starting out pretty well for the boys, with varsity winning three games, tying one, and only losing one. Their first loss was to Cyprus, a 5A school.

Their coach says the boys are devoted to being the top team and top program. "Our guys are really working hard and I love them," Platz said.