In the Northern Section the boys soccer standard has been set by Chico High. The Panthers have refused to rest on past success, and as Action Sports reports, not only winning, but winning in a dominant fashion, has become their trademark.
In 2009, Tony Longueria and his Chico Panthers have a "goal," to capture another consecutive section title. For six straight seasons the Chico boys soccer team has "booted" their way through local competition and after a 6-1-1 start this year, the Panthers have number seven in their sights.
Panthers Goalie Jose Campanero says, "winning a section title is always a goal for Chico High because of the success we've had in this program and I'd also like to see the next players coming in and win that title also."
By tallying championships year in and year out, the Panthers can be considered a high school dynasty and that success has opened the eyes of junior high soccer players around the Chico area. When it comes time to choose a high school, most of these rising stars pick Chico.
Panthers Head Coach Tony Longueria says, "this year we have an unclassified JV team, we have 45 guys out here training every day because they want to be a part of it. We're building a culture here and the culture is just come out here and play soccer, and enjoy the sport and I think the success breeds on that with guys that just want to play, train hard, learn the sport and just get better."
Panthers Midfielder Rodrigo Serrato adds, "I wanted to come play for Chico because I realized their winning streak and both my brothers played for Chico and they came out as winners."
So far this season, Chico has already outscored their opponents 23-5 and this aggressive style of play is fun to watch and be a part of.
Tony Longueria says, "once they smell the blood its like their a bunch of sharks and they just go at it and keep going, fitness has a lot to do with it, we're a fit team and we're a hungry team and we do like to entertain the crowd."
Panthers Midfielder Drew Haley says, "its a really fun style because he lets you open the field up and be creative and just have fun."
Something they've been able to do consistently over the course of their success.
