By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Through the best of times and everything else, Hernan Cruz has been there for the Rivera Raiders.
Cruz is a senior captain and four-year starter at a variety of positions. He was surrounded by equally experienced and talented teammates last season as Rivera captured the first Class 6A state title in boys soccer.
The Raiders defeated Katy Cinco Ranch 2-0 in the state final last April 18 at Georgetown. It completed a 28-0 season for Rivera.
Things are different this time around with practically a new team for the Raiders.
Cruz, primarily a midfielder/forward, is one of only two starters back from that state championship squad. The other returning starter is Eliezer “Chaii” Acero, also a midfielder/forward and team captain.
Rivera coach Salvador Garcia has looked particularly to Cruz to provide guidance for the Raiders as they try to come of age at the varsity level and compete for a playoff spot in a highly competitive District 32-6A.
Cruz is everything he could ask for in a leader, the Raiders coach said. In his 25 years as the head coach and an assistant at Rivera, Cruz is a unique team captain, he said.
“‘Nano’ (Cruz) represents what you want in a player because he’s going to give you 100 percent and go above and beyond to do what it takes to help the team,” Garcia said. “Plus, there’s the fact that he understands the game. He reads the game perfectly, and even as a freshman he could do that.
“He’s someone that is not afraid to go up to one of the guys, regardless of his classification, and say, ‘Hey, this is the way it’s supposed to be done, and this is why,’” Garcia added. “It’s hard to find someone like that, a person who leads by example with his play on the field and who is also willing to tell a teammate what he’s doing wrong so that the team can improve. That’s the difference between ‘Nano’ and the many, many other leaders we’ve had.”
The Raiders (6-6, 17 points) are tied for fifth place in 32-6A with Harlingen South (5-7, 17 points) with two district games remaining. Rivera next plays third-place Hanna (8-4, 22 points) at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Sams Memorial Stadium.
The district’s top four teams advance to the playoffs. The Raiders are trying to qualify for the postseason for the 24th time in 25 years.
“I feel good (about our chances), and I’m proud of my teammates,” Cruz said. “We have a young group of players. Many people may not believe in us, but I always tell the guys — just like the coaches are saying to us — that we shouldn’t worry about what other people are saying.
“We should just worry about us and how we’re playing,” he added. “We’re going to stay positive and see what happens.”
Rivera soccer has been a big part of Cruz’s life, even before he came to the high school. He attended the Raiders’ games as a grade-schooler.
“There are no words to accurately describe what this coaching staff and what this program is all about,” said Cruz, who plans to attend the University of Houston at Victoria and play soccer next school year. “It’s not only about soccer, it’s about life on and off the field. The coaches tell us it’s a journey and that we’re learning life lessons.
“I’m just honored to play for this coaching staff and with all my teammates since my freshman year,” he added. “I’ve built great chemistry with all of them, and I’m really glad I’m here.”