The No. 14-seeded Goddard boys soccer team saw its Class 4A state tournament run end on Oct. 28 with a 5-0 road loss to No. 3 Santa Teresa in the first round.
The Rockets finished the season 6-13-2, improving by two victories from the previous year.
It was a season that tested Goddard in several ways. Ineligible players, injuries and frequent roster adjustments left the Rockets short-handed for much of the season.
First-year head coach Noel Montelongo said the circumstances could have derailed the team, but the Rockets continued to compete.
“We were just resilient,” Montelongo said. “Dealing with injuries and other unforeseen stuff led to us not having a full squad most of the time. We just battled through every game.”
Goddard endured a difficult start, opening the season 1-5, with its lone victory during that stretch coming by forfeit. The Rockets eventually found their footing, winning three of their next four contests.
The remainder of the season brought additional challenges, but Goddard continued to find ways to earn victories.
The Rockets delivered two strong offensive performances against the Portales Rams, earning a 5-2 road victory Oct. 8 before returning home to defeat the Rams 7-3 on Oct. 22. Those were Goddard’s only District 4-4A victories as the team finished 2-3-1 in district play.
Although the Rockets’ season ended with a shutout loss, Montelongo said he was proud of the effort his players displayed throughout the year.
“They left everything out there on the field,” Montelongo said. “I’m proud of the way they fought each game.”
Several players helped keep the Rockets competitive despite the obstacles. Montelongo singled out senior defender and striker Braden McDaniel for his leadership and athleticism. Sophomore goalkeeper Marcos Moreno also played an important role in keeping Goddard in games, according to Montelongo.
Montelongo said freshman striker David Gonzalez made an impression as well, giving the program a player to build around.
“Braden did a lot for us with his speed and agility,” Montelongo said. “Marcos knows what to do as goalkeeper. If it wasn’t for him, we would probably get mercy ruled more than just one game. David is an outstanding freshman and has a bright future when it comes to scoring goals.”
The Rockets will return several players next season but will graduate seven seniors who helped the team through this past campaign.
McDaniel, Quinton Meyers, Alexys Hernandez, Peter O’Neill, Catch Sisneros, Leo Villa and Ben Ruiz made up Goddard’s senior class. Montelongo credited them for their commitment and willingness to compete.
“They left everything they had out there all season long and in the playoff game against Santa Teresa,” Montelongo said.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
