For Monterey Wildcats soccer player Pedro Guzman, the biggest difference for the team this season is not tactics or talent, but chemistry.
Guzman said the Wildcats have made a point to grow closer as a team after feeling that connection was missing last season.
“Last year, I feel like we lacked on it, like we didn’t know each other much,” Guzman said. “This year, we’ve had the bond and everything to where we can get to know each other better, better communication, and all that.”
Guzman said the team has built that chemistry through constant communication during practices.
“As a captain, I feel like I lead well,” Guzman said. “[I] make sure everyone’s doing the right thing, keeping everyone from being nervous, encouraging them, telling them to have confidence.”
Guzman enters his fourth season playing soccer and has already experienced a major transition in his career. During his second season with the Wildcats, he switched positions from goalkeeper to center back, a move that ultimately helped build his confidence on the field. Guzman said the defensive role now allows him to guide teammates from the back line while helping organize the team’s play.
Beyond his leadership responsibilities, Guzman said representing the community every time the Wildcats take the field gives him an extra boost of motivation.
“It truly means a lot watching, knowing all the people are coming out to support us and we are some of the people that get to represent Monterey,” Guzman said. “Knowing that we can play at a high level really brought my energy up knowing we have potential on the team.”
With stronger chemistry and confidence across the roster, Guzman said he hopes the Wildcats can turn that potential into results. Guzman said his goal for the season is to lead Monterey deeper into the postseason than the program has gone during his four years with the team.