It’s hard to believe, but Harvey’s run to the district championship game might have been a preview of what’s to come for the Red Raiders.
Harvey returns eight starters and seven other letter-winners from last year’s team that finished 16-2-1 overall and won a Chagrin Valley Conference title with a 4-0-1 mark.
“Heading into this season, we are really excited about our talent and versatility,” said sixth-year coach Natalie Sisler. “We return a lot of talented and experienced players who have developed great chemistry over the years. We have players who are willing and capable of playing in different positions around the pitch allowing us to use a variety of formations depending on our opponents and the situation of a match. This team has great potential and is very motivated to do something special.”
That potential hinges on Harvey’s ability to replace—as best as they can—All-Ohio and CVC MVP goalkeeper Adan Torres.
Senior Esteban Arguello has been waiting for his opportunity and this fall, he’ll get the chance to rise to the challenge.
“Adan will go down as one of the greatest players and leaders to have played for Harvey with an amazing resume–23 clean sheets in his two years as a starter–that leaves big shoes to fill,” Sisler said. “Luckily, we have had Esteban on the roster waiting for his opportunity and he has shown in the preseason an ability to make big saves and distribute at a high level. Esteban had a great summer and could be the next Harvey goalkeeper. He has great shot-stopping skills as well a great ability to distribute.”
Harvey has plenty of speed and talent on the back line to help defend Arguello, even with the graduation of multiyear captain Jonathan Orozco.
The Red Raiders return second-team All-CVC performer Abraham Torres, a junior, as well as juniors Alex Munoz and Christian Guerra.
Munoz scored one goal last fall while Guerra notched five goals with two assists.
“Abraham is the leader on defense. He is a complete player who can defend in the air and on the ground. He has exceptional speed and great instincts for when to attack and when to wait. He could be one of the top defenders in the area these next two seasons,” Sisler said. “Alex can play both as a fullback as well as midfielder. He is a very intelligent player who is always in position. Alex will continue to develop into a great player. Chris has transitioned from an outside midfielder to center-back this summer. Chris is an awesome communicator who can help us stay organized in the back.”
Harvey also added junior dual-sport athlete Antonio Soto, who will play football and soccer for the Red Raiders.
“Antonio joins us this year as he returns to playing soccer after playing football exclusively the past two seasons,” Sisler said. “He is a great addition to the team and really was a missing piece to our defense. He is extremely versatile playing centrally and outside at times. Antonio is going to be a breakout player and will do something each game that just wows people with his skill and athleticism.”
The combination of Soto and Torres on the back line will make it even more difficult for opposing teams to get a good look at the Harvey net.
“Antonio and Abrahan Torres could be the best center-back pairing we have seen in my time here at Harvey,” Sisler said. “They are extremely versatile and have top-end athleticism matched with incredible skill on the ball. In combination with players such as Alex Munoz, Chris Guerra, and Jason Cardenas, we could have another stifling defense this season. Last year, we allowed only seven goals, which was a point of pride for our team and we know this year’s schedule will make it very hard to match but we are determined to make it very difficult to score on us this season.”
As good as Harvey’s defense is expected to be, the Red Raiders could be even more dangerous on the offensive end.
“We have a great balance of great attackers and defenders,” Sisler said. “Our forwards, led by seniors Kevin Fonseca and Alexis Orozco, are electric and can create opportunities to score anytime they have the ball at their feet. The midfield can control the game with their ability to defend and also get forward and attack. Senior midfielders Mason Haffa, Byron Perez, and Dave Torres bring plenty of experience and all are talented players who are willing to press and hustle for 80 minutes if necessary.”
Leading the way for the Red Raiders is senior forward Kevin Fonseca, a first-team All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland and a second-team All-News Herald selection.
Fonseca scored 25 goals with 13 assists last fall.
“Kevin Fonseca has the potential for a historic season,” Sisler said. “He has continued to improve and could be the top scorer in the area. Kevin has the potential this season to be one of the top players in the state. Last season he was slowed down by injuries and was out multiple games, so he only scratched the surface of what he is capable of. He is ultra-talented and steps up in the biggest games. This could be a very special season for Kevin.”
Joining Fonseca up top are senior Alexis Orozco and freshman Danilo Estrada.
Orozco finished off nine goals with eight assists on the way to earning second-team All-CVC honors as a junior.
“Alexis is a multiyear starter who brings a wealth of experience. This could be a breakout season for him if he stays focused and continues his development trajectory,” Sisler said. “Danilo has the potential to be a great player for us for years to come. He has already flashed at times in the offseason. By the end of the season, we could see him tallying some varsity minutes in key games if he continues developing.”
Senior midfielder Byron Perez also returns and after scoring 16 goals with eight assists last fall, will team up with Fonseca to terrorize opposing defenses.
“Byron Perez in his second season with us is a dynamo,” Sisler said. “He and Kevin have clicked over the offseason and could be a lethal combination for any team we play. He has a non-stop work ethic; an Energizer bunny who is just thinking steps ahead on the field with his vision. Byron can pass and score at a high level and works great with the other mids and forwards. He should be on every watch list in the area because he is going to be a game changer.”
Seniors Mason Haffa, David Torres, and Jason Cardenas also will play in the midfield.
“Mason Haffa can do it all as a midfield and controls the field from box to box. He is an elite leader who will be charged with marking the best opposing player on the field,” Sisler said. “Mason has elevated his game over the summer. He is a dominant midfielder as a defender and can create when he pushes upfield. Mason is a great leader and can really organize us on the field.”
Haffa scored three goals with two assists on his way to first-team All-CVC and honorable mention All-Greater Cleveland and News-Herald honors. Cardenas added an assist and Torres is lethal on free kicks.
“David is a great passer and can be a threat on free kicks for us. Dave also is a menace when pressing, just nonstop going after the ball trying to win possession. David will be an X-Factor for us this season,” Sisler said. “Jason can play all over the pitch. He will be asked to do different things for our team throughout the season as needed. He is very skilled.”
Harvey certainly has the talent, experience, and confidence to make another run at a CVC title, but it won’t be easy.
The Red Raiders must remain focused and continue to do the things that helped to raise the bar at Harvey.
“We have to fight complacency and come to practice every day willing to work hard and improve daily,” Sisler said. “We have to be prepared for a long and difficult season with quality teams in and out of conference play who are looking to take us down. We cannot take any games off.”
