Rain, lack of field are a challenge for Casa booters

Winter boys soccer is eventually going to work out just fine for Casa Grande High School, but the first season has been one of confusion and work-arounds.

The Gauchos have been hit by a double whammy in the first season that the North Bay League moved play from fall to winter. Biggest hurt for Casa was that the Gauchos haven’t been able to play on their home field, off limits as construction continues on the new synthetic turf facility. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in November, but has been delayed by a change in in-fill, followed by the first significant rain in the area in three years. Work on the field is complete, but finishing the surrounding track is still waiting for a weather break.

Of course, the wet winner has also resulted in sloppy, muddy conditions on the turf area where the Gauchos have managed to practice. And, since it is often dark when the team gets to practice in the evenings, they are sometimes forced to practice on a small area near the school’s lighted softball diamonds, with the only illumination coming from the diamond lights.

At times, Casa has managed to practice on the all-weather turf at Lucchesi or East Washington parks, but to use those crowded fields, they have to practice at whatever time is available, not knowing when practice might be until the day before or even the day of practice.

“It is really frustrating,” said Casa coach Chris Rodd. “There are things we really want to work on, but we haven’t had a chance.”

The Gauchos did get a glimpse of the field paradise that will be theirs next season when they managed two practices on the new turf before it was closed as work resumed on the track.

“It is beautiful. It is amazing,” Rodd said.

Despite their practice problems, the Gauchos have enjoyed a strong season. Going into this week’s play, they were 9-5-3 on the season and in third place in the NBL behind Santa Rosa and Rancho Cotate.

Rodd credits senior team captains Kyle Harmina and Maurillo Lopez with helping keep the team focused.

“They have done an amazing job providing team leadership,” the coach said.

Harmina is one of the best goalies in the Empire. He is headed to San Francisco State next fall. Rodd said that center/midfielder Lopez also has college potential.

A third senior, Harry Koos, an outside backer, has also played well for the Gauchos.

One of the team’s top players is junior David Luis. “He has had a very strong year,” Rodd said. “He is one of the best players in the league.”

Danny Ajquiy was good enough to start for the Gauchos as a sophomore and, as a junior, has developed into one of the best defenders in the area.

Kevin Lira is good enough to start for the varsity as a freshman after beginning the season on the junior varsity.

Senior Will Lewczyk is a returning all-leaguer who has been hampered by injuries this season. When healthy, he is one of the best all-around players in the league.

A pair of forwards, sophomore Jack Gunns and senior Stephen Proctor, have contributed much to the Casa Grande attack. Proctor is second on the team in goals scored.

Rodd comes to Casa Grande after coaching at East Bay power De La Salle, where the team won four North Coast Section championships while he was there.

His goal is to bring some stability to the Casa Grande soccer program after a series of short-term coaches in recent years.

One of the things he tried to implement this season, and will revive next year, is a study hall for players. He had to give up on that idea this year because of the team’s fluctuating practice schedule.

A former professional soccer player, he now confines himself to coaching because of a knee operation and a growing family.

He is coaching only the Gauchos this season, but next fall will coach a 12-under Marin County team that is the defending State Cup champion.

He and his wife have 18-month-old twin daughters. The coach says neither has scored a goal yet, but adds, “they already know how to dribble.”