Tokay forward Valencia strikes fear into opponents
Accomplishments: Paola Valencia knew momentum was on her Tokay High girls soccer team’s side against Monterey Trail last week.
The junior striker, who is a threeyear starter, scored the Tigers’ first goal against the Mustangs in a nonleague game at the Grape Bowl on Dec. 21 when she broke though Monterey Trail’s offside-trap defense. Then Tokay continued to find more ways for additional goals for a 4-1 win. The Tigers had 12 shots on goal in the game.
“I was pretty excited,” said Valencia of the Tigers’ first goal of the game. “When you score right away, it usually brings the other team down. Right away, I felt like it was going to be a good game for us.”
The win wrapped up the pre-season for Tokay (3-2-1). The Tigers are off to their best start in recent years. Last spring, the Tigers didn’t win a game, and won only five games during the spring 2015 season.
“I feel this year’s team is a lot better,” Valencia said. “I feel we click more than last year. The coaching is better ... total opposite of what it was like last year.”
This year’s squad has lofty goals that Valencia believes she and her teammates can accomplish: Earning
a Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth.
“We’re planning on making the playoffs,” Valencia said. “We’re doing the little stuff like don’t allow opponents to score off corner kicks, or fouls near the box.”
Valencia started playing recreation soccer. But in recent years, she’s played on club teams in Galt; next spring she plans to play for FC Impact, and in previous years has played for FC Heat United, FC United Strikers and FC Strikers.
“I like it,” said Valencia, who has been playing soccer since age 8. “I’ve played every season (in recent years).”
Valencia’s style of play is aggressive. From passing the ball to a teammate to battling an opponent to steal the ball away. But that’s the way she likes to play when she laces up her cleats and hits the field with her teammates. Part of her aggression comes from another sport that requires discipline.
“I feel I get my aggressiveness from Taekwondo,” said Valencia, who holds a third degree black belt in the martial art.
Valencia admitted that some opposing players and coaches have complained about her being too aggressive on the soccer field. She noted that in recent years, opposing coaches — both high school and club — have yelled at game officials to give her a red card.
“I have had that happen a lot,” said Valencia, who noted she’s received yellow cards but never a red card in her playing career. “I’m not doing it on purpose — that’s just how I play. Sometimes they (opposing players and coaches) just get really mad. They start talking smack and stuff, but that’s something you have to let go. The best revenge is just to score.”
Tokay resumes action on Monday, Jan. 13 when TriCity Athletic League action begins at St. Mary’s.