Varela High chasing another state title in boys' soccer

BY ANDRE C. FERNANDEZ
a1fernandez@MiamiHerald.com
After back-to-back state championships and a mythical national title, the Varela boys' soccer team enjoyed its role as an underdog last year.

But the Vipers still were Miami-Dade County's top team, with a surprising return to the Class 6A state final four led by players who were reserves during the championship seasons.

``The bus rides back home after every victory last year were great,'' Varela coach J.C. Gonzalez said. ``Everybody was having a blast because it was a first every time we won another big game for most of them.''

The Vipers won't catch anyone by surprise this season.

With nine seniors returning, including seven starters, Varela will endeavor to recapture the state title and become the second Dade team, joining Gulliver from 1991-1994, to advance to the state tournament four seasons in a row.

``We've got the bull's-eye on us again,'' Gonzalez said. ``The good thing is that these guys have matured a lot and seem to know how to handle the pressure they'll be under this year.''

Varela (1-0) already is off to a good start after beating Westminster Christian, a Class 2A regional finalist last season, in its season-opener. The Vipers' path to state will go through a tough Dade region that includes perennial contenders Killian, Ferguson, Columbus and American.

Varela's main striker, Johnny Vidales, is back after a stellar junior season, and he will try to help the Vipers navigate the tough path back to the state playoffs.

Vidales, who did not play soccer during his first two seasons of high school, scored 23 goals and was named The Miami Herald's Class 6A Player of the Year last season. He hasn't received college scholarship offers yet, but Gonzalez expects them to come soon.

``He's really grown up as a player,'' Gonzalez said. ``His ability to create goals and spread the ball around has improved. Several coaches have expressed interest in him.''

Gonzalez said the Vipers will have more depth and a tougher defensive team this season.

Danny Gonzalez, a 6-foot senior sweeper, became eligible this season and will anchor the defense. Senior Enrique Villa, who broke his toe early last season, also is back on defense.

Villa's brother, Andres, has been the most pleasant surprise so far.

Andres was a third-string goalkeeper last season, behind All-Dade goalie Bryan Medeiros. After Medeiros graduated, the backup goalkeeper moved to New York, giving Andres a chance to start.

He has three shutouts so far, including preseason victories against Hollywood Chaminade and a scoreless tie against Class 3A power Gulliver.

Gonzalez said he has seen major improvement from senior midfielder Victor Cortez, and he expects major contributions from sophomore midfielder Nahuel Medina, who scored in the season-opener.

``We got bigger physically, and our bench is deeper, which is good because I think we kind of ran out of gas toward the end of the season last year,'' Gonzalez said.

``Our concern is not to let the hype get to us, since we're going to have everyone targeting us as the team to beat again.

Miami Herald Story