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The Pelican Rapids boys’ soccer team made it to the Section 8A championship for the second year in a row, while continuing to see their home facility develop into a real home for soccer in the community. Those were two of the top highlights for the Vikings in the 2021 season. “We look to continue to build off the previous tradition and success of the program,” said Head Coach John Peter, now in his seventh season. “Our strength is our unity and our ability to work together as a group. We look forward to another year of learning and reading the game and developing as leaders and men on and off the pitch.”
Four players from that 11-5-1 squad of a year ago, Sebastian Centeno, Jesus Moreno, Lico Pedroza and Josh Urbano, are now playing college soccer at Alexandria Tech. The Vikings also lost Sebastian Rosiles, Suhayb Farah, Mohamed Ahmed and Hamsa Ishowa to graduation, and starting centerback Abdul Ahmed moved to Mounds View.
Returning letter winners included seniors Daniel Urbano (Midfield), Abraham Gonzalez (Centerback), Yahir Diaz (Striker), Daniel Diaz (Right Back), Jose Zetino Lopez (Midfield) and Arturo Zavala (Goalkeeper), juniors Subeer Farah (Centerback), Abdirahman Khalif (Left Back), Hamse Mohamed (Wing), Noe Moreno (Wing) and Abdirahman Warsame (Midfield), and freshman Sidiiq Farah (Midfield). Key newcomers Johnny Moreno (JR) and Irvin Villagomez (8th Grade) will also be looking for varsity playing time.
Peter, who is assisted by Andy Johnson and Ubelio Fernandez, says Hillcrest and St. Cloud Cathedral are the teams to beat in Section 8A, with Hillcrest the favorite to win the conference championship.