Crossroads Displays Excellence In New Soccer Facility

By Mitch Chortkoff

Last season, playing on its new field at the corner of Olympic Blvd. and 18th St., the Crossroads School boys soccer team went 9-1 to win the Delphic League.

This year the team is doing well again. It is undefeated at home with a 5-0-2 record following a 3-3 tie with Campbell Hall last week. Crossroads is 7-4-3 overall, including a second place finish in the Bronze Division of the Atascadero Tournament that included 26 teams.

Jose Luis Palomares has been head coach at Crossroads four years and the team has won the Delphic League every season. He formerly assisted at Loyola Marymount and played 10 years in the Greater Los Angeles Semi-Pro League.

Courtesy of the Crossroads coaching staff, including Palomares and assistants Martin Borras and Franco Giovanini, information on each team member is provided.

Chris Bacharach is a sophomore midfielder in his second year on the varsity.

Manny Briceno is a junior midfielder and the team's playmaker.

Justin Commins is a sophomore goalkeeper who has come up from the junior varsity. In the first 13 games he played every minute, including 20 in an overtime.

Will Doerken is a senior midfielder/forward in his fourth year and is known for outstanding speed.

Chris Evans is a freshman midfielder/forward who has scored two goals.

Jacob Feingold is a senior striker in his fourth year known for his strength. He's tied for second on the team in goals scored with four.

Jeremy Levins is a junior defender in his third year.

Jon Mandabach is a junior midfielder in his third year who has outstanding dribbling ability.

Charlie McDowell is a senior midfielder in his fourth year known as a well-rounded player.

Sean Mobasser is a junior forward who has scored two goals.

Spencer Pratt is a senior forward in his fourth year and the team's leading scorer. He had nine goals in the first nine games.

Jesse Rambis is a sophomore defender who has solid tactical ability and is an outstanding passer.

Chris Rasmus is a junior midfielder in his third year who is versatile enough to play any of the four midfield positions.

Zach Roth is a senior sweeper in his fourth year and the team captain. He has scored four goals. Roth plans to go on to Boston University.

Matt Schwab is a junior defender in his third year.

Alex Smith is a senior striker.

Aaron Wallenchinsky is a sophomore midfielder.

Elijah Wallechinsky is a senior striker.

Max Winkler is a senior defender known for being aggressive.

Sean Wise is a sophomore defender who has not played this season due to an injury.