Gaines Academy soccer team advances to semi-finals

The Samuel S. Gaines Academy Soccer Team went 3-2 at the District Winter Tournament. Lead by captains Manuel Esquivel #20, and Jean Saintable #10, the team advanced to the semi-finals. The leading scorer for the day was Luis Gil #4, who had six goals, beating the team record of 5 goals set a year earlier by his cousin Jesus Gil. While Luis was the leading offensive player, the star of the day was the goalie, Jose Villalta, who made save after save. Jose’s highlight of the day was blocking a penalty kick during the semi-final game, keeping the Colts alive down to the final minute. Pictured, front row, is Jose Villalta, middle row, from left, Jahira Sanchez, Erik Rameriz, Cristian Hernandez, Walberto Maldonado, Raphael Villanueva, Francisco Tavera, Rameiro Gomez, and Manuel Esquivel, and back row, from left, Jean Saintable, Coach John Davino, Jeremiah Flores, Peterson Gaston, Christian Hernandez, Leonardo Mandojano, Luis Gil, Daniel Guzman, Moises Lopez, and Miguel Gamez.