The Crusaders Soccer Club is preparing for an exciting season with a record number of teams joining the competitive leagues. A total of thirty-nine teams, including seven boys’ teams and four girls’ teams, have been accepted into the United States Youth Soccer National League (USYS) Premiere 2 Division. This marks a significant achievement for the club, reflecting a 40% increase in competitive teams compared to the previous season.
Under the leadership of Victor Melendez and his dedicated support staff, the Crusaders Soccer program has made remarkable strides. Melendez expressed pride in the coaching team, highlighting the dedication of coaches such as Justin Robinett and Erick Melendez, who now have expanded responsibilities within the organization. Robinett, serving as the girls’ director and head coach for two National League teams, emphasized his commitment to developing female athletes both technically and tactically. He stated, “At Crusaders Soccer Club, we’ve built a clear developmental pathway that begins at the foundational ages and supports our players as they pursue their personal goals.”
Erick Melendez oversees the development of the older boys’ teams, ensuring all 11v11 teams are integrated into the National League program. He takes a holistic approach, focusing on player development that extends beyond soccer. “We strive to provide a platform for players to be exposed to college soccer and hopefully use soccer as a vehicle to achieve higher education,” he explained. His vision aims to establish the boys’ program as the strongest in East County and one of the largest in San Diego.
Recent Tournament Success
The Crusaders recently showcased their talent at the annual Crown City Classic Soccer Tournament held in Coronado on July 26-27, 2023. Two teams emerged victorious in their respective divisions, with the Academy level 2013 and 2016 Boys teams each claiming championship titles. The 2013 team, coached by Lauren Johnson, dominated their matches, outscoring opponents 18-7 across four games. Meanwhile, the 2016 team, led by Ivon Melendez, achieved an impressive total of 22 goals while conceding only five.
Melendez noted the significance of the tournament for many players: “This was the first competitive game for half the team, as they had just moved up from our recreational program. It was a special win with so many new players.” The team’s swift cohesion and hard work were evident, contributing to their success.
Growing Recreational Program
As the competitive teams prepare for the season ahead, the recreational division of Crusaders Soccer is also thriving. Registration for the fall recreational season concluded on July 28, 2023, with nearly 1,000 players signed up. Modesto Guariniello, the director of coaching for the recreational division, extended gratitude to the many volunteers who support the program. “It truly takes a dedicated village to have a viable program for so many boys and girls and to ensure they have a fun and valuable experience,” he remarked.
The recreational season kicks off with 11 weeks of soccer games on September 6, 2023, held on grass fields across Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, and San Carlos. The club invites the community to attend and support the young athletes as they embark on another season of soccer.
With a strong commitment to player development and community engagement, the Crusaders Soccer Club is set for a vibrant season that promises growth, success, and memorable experiences for all involved.
