Northside soccer coach Mauricio Maciel doesn’t expect to pick up where the Grizzlies left off in 2018.

But the defending 6A state champs don’t rebuild, they reload.

“We are young but with great experience; we have graduated 22 players in the last two years but our goal is always to cover the gaps left behind by graduates and I think we have done just that,” Maciel said. “I feel we can make a good run despite the youth.”

Mikey Zambrana takes over as keeper.

“He has decent size to him, but his reflexes are extremely good, giving the team and I great confidence,” Maciel said. “If needed, we have a newcomer in Juan Rivera.”

Rivera has good size for a keeper, Maciel said, and has worked his way to the varsity.

Marco Picazo and Carlos Guzman are experienced midfielders, Maciel said.

“Marco Picazo a very skillful winger and Carlos Guzman also skillful and fast,” he said. “The brains of the operation in the middle are Christian Chavez and Jarvin Nieto. Christian has the ideal size of a center mid, and is very strong in the air.”

Nieto is “very composed” with the ball, Maciel said.


Northside forwards Luis Paredes and Ricky Iturriaga are also back for the Grizzlies.

Lady Bears

Maciel will also coach the Lady Bears’ squad.

The Lady Bears, who got into the state tournament last season, are led by offensive threats Kaitlyn Gilkey and Amber Keomany.

“We are entrusting the defense to two seniors, Natalie Alcocer and our sweeper Maddie Davidson,” Maciel said. “We also have a feisty and skillful Avery Gilkey.”

Kaitlyn Gilkey and Amber Keomany will anchor the center.

“On the wings, Jovanna Centeno and Laisha Zarate will use their speed and skill to get us in the box,” Maciel said. “Up on top, we have two juniors in Yvette Martinez and Cassandra Cervantes.”


Northside begins 6A-Central play March 14 against Little Rock Central.

“I feel also very good about conference,” Maciel said. “I know we have the opportunity to surprise a lot of teams once again, despite the young bench.”
