Last season’s soccer season was a year full of challenges, but this year, the team is looking for redemption. Head Coach Bill Chu and the players have used past challenges as motivation for improvement, looking forward to a fresh start.
Left winger Julian Tototzintle ’25, provided close up insights into the team’s preparations,his commitment to daily training, both with the team and individually. As a junior, he looks to be a top goal scorer and a key player in the team’s success.
“My individual goals for this season is to finish junior year as a top goal scorer as well as be a leader for my team creating scoring opportunities and being the key player to the team’s success achievements/goals. A big achievement for me would be for me to make the WCAL first team and to really show off my abilities to be recognized by college coaches.”
Speaking about the team, he emphasized Riordan’s determination to prove they’re not an “easy game” this year. Anticipating competitive matchups, Julian expressed confidence, believing this season will be different.
Center defensive midfielder Matteo Baldassi ’24, said, “In the off-season, we’ve focused on fundamentals through daily practices and gym sessions, building chemistry in pre-season games.”
Personally, he concentrated on stamina and technical skills to ensure peak performance.
According to Baldassi, this year’s team chemistry is stronger, primarily consisting of junior players who’ve been playing together since freshman year. His goals include playoffs and securing a spot on the 1st or 2nd all-team.
“Although it seems far-fetched for Riordan’s soccer program, anything can happen when we work together. I am also looking to make it onto one of the 1st or 2nd all team player lists.”
He also stated, “This season we are looking forward to playing against Sacred Heart Cathedral as we had a close matchup with them last year but lost.”
Acknowledging challenges, Baldassi noted the team’s junior-heavy composition against senior-heavy opponents. However, they plan to leverage their strengths—hard work and team chemistry.
As the Riordan soccer team steps onto the field this season, they embark on a journey of redemption, armed with determination, unity, and the lessons of the past. The narrative is set to change, and the Riordan soccer legacy is ready for a new chapter.
