Pepe Barron finished his high school soccer career with a bang. The Santa Barbara High forward found the back of the net 20 times, leading the Dons to 19 wins, the Channel League title and the second round of the CIF Division 1 playoffs.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Santa Barbara High’s Pepe Barron
Presidio Sports is pleased to honor Barron as the MVP of the All-City Boys Soccer team.
Barron had the uncanny ability to put himself in scoring positions and possessed the finishing touch.
“Pepe had a tremendous senior year,” Santa Barbara coach Todd Heil said. “As one of our captains, he was able to accomplish a feat that few high school CIF Division 1 players are able to, and that’s score 20 goals in a season.”
Santa Barbara had a young team this season, so Heil was counting on a senior like Barron to lead the squad.
“While as a coaching staff, our hope was that Pepe would lead us offensively, never did we expect he would put up the numbers he did,” Heil said. “We actually haven’t had a 20-goal scorer since our 2009-2010 season. Being named All-CIF First Team, Channel League Offensive MVP and All-City Player of the Year is just a testament to the quality of the season Pepe had.”
Based upon on-court performance and team leadership, the All-City All-Star Teams are selected by Presidio Sports to recognize the top high school student-athletes competing on the South Coast from Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.
Each All-City selection will receive a special award certificate and be recognized online at PresidioSports.com and in print in the Santa Barbara Sentinel. The entire All-City Soccer Team will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony at a Santa Barbara Foresters baseball game in early June.
PRESIDIO SPORTS’ ALL-CITY SOCCER TEAM
Jumoke Hutton, Santa Barbara, Senior: He provided much-needed experience and steadiness in the back for the Dons. Santa Barbara’s defense allowed only 21 goals in 26 matches and posted 15 shutouts. Hutton also was an offensive weapon with his long throw.
Brandon Sanchez, Santa Barbara, Sophomore: This young attacking midfielder is one to watch for the next two years. A tremendous ball-handler and passer, he scored seven goals and recorded five assists — “a season that most upper classmen would be proud to have,” said Heil. “To think that he has two seasons remaining with us is absolutely exciting.”
Tim Heiduk, Dos Pueblos, Junior: A dominant player at center back and in the central midfield. “Tim was great at controlling all aerial attacks from opposing players,” said coach Matt York. His size and athleticism also made him a potent finisher on set pieces. Heiduk was team captain. “We look forward to great things in his upcoming senior year,” said York.
Julio Rubio, Dos Pueblos, Junior: A dynamic player who is dangerous anywhere on the field. “His dynamic and confident style with the ball made him one of the most feared offensive players in the league,” said York.
Tucker Snider, Dos Pueblos, Senior: The tenacious defender and emotional leader for the Chargers. “His senior leadership and rugged determination to win pushed us over the edge on numerous occasions,” said York.
Damian Nunez, Laguna Blanca, Junior: A versatile player who was solid at both ends of the field. “He puts the team before him and was a great leader both on and off the field,” said his coach Daniel Torres.
Jacob Brosnan, Bishop Diego, Junior: A key offensive player for the Cardinals. He scored nine goals and had six assists, helping the team make the playoffs.
Juan Carlos Orozco, Carpinteria, Senior: The team captain and emotional leader for the Warriors. He scored eight goals in the tough Tri-Valley League. “He left it all out on the field every single,” said coach Leo Quintero.
Leighton Brillo-Sonnino, Cate, Senior: He provided toughness and skill in the midfielder. He had nine goals and added three assists for the Rams. “He is one of the smartest players on the field. Moreover, he is completely unselfish, willing to do whatever is necessary to put his team in the best position to win,” said coach Peter Mack.
Geoffrey Acheampong, Cate, Junior: A tremendously skilled player with a rocket shot and the ability to score from anywhere on the field. He had 10 goals and 10 assists. “Geoffrey is crafty and has a superb read of the game and the field,” said coach Peter Mack.
Matthew Firestone, Cate, Senior: Firestone has a nose for the goal and is a tenacious defender. “He simply won’t be outworked for the ball,” said coach Peter Mack. “His is the dirtiest uniform at the end of the game — blood, mud, etc. —a testament to the passion and heart with which he plays.” He scored 10 goals and had five assists.
Keller Mochel, Cate, Sophomore: His size and athleticism make him a tough goalkeeper to score against. He allowed only 15 goals playing against some stiff competition. “He was a real game-changer at some key times for us this year and his future is bright,” said coach Peter Mack.
