PROGRESO — Jorge Mendoza’s freshman campaign didn’t go exactly as he had envisioned. Before the year began, the Progreso Red Ants opted out of sports, effectively ending his first season before being able to step on the pitch.
Still, he stayed ready, spending his time “off” playing club soccer, while also practicing in his backyard with a goal he set up.
“I was excited at first because I thought I could play varsity,” Mendoza said. “Then COVID happened, so we had to take a break. I didn’t stop playing soccer though. I kept playing with my club and kept conditioning to stay ready for this next year.”
Mendoza made his long-awaited debut this year, serving as an integral part on the Red Ants’ offense. After scoring 14 goals and helping lead Progreso to the Region IV-4A semifinals in their return to the pitch, Mendoza is The Monitor’s 2022 All-Area Boys Soccer Newcomer of the Year.
“It feels great,” Mendoza said. “Last year we didn’t have a season, so this is my first year really playing varsity. To be able to do good the whole season, getting to playoffs and making 14 goals, I feel good.”
Mendoza’s first year wasn’t seamless, with nerves and inexperience playing a factor during non-district play. Once in district play, Mendoza started to find his footing, helping power Progreso’s high-powered offense.
The sophomore forward was one of six Red Ants to score five or more goals during district play, with Progreso outscoring opponents 70-12 en route a 9-3 second place finish in District 30-4A.
“My first game I was kind of nervous of course,” Mendoza said. “We ended up losing by one goal. But we were just getting started after two years of not playing. Once we got past round one of the playoffs, we felt like we could keep going.
“Varsity soccer was not what I expected. At the same time, I had high expectations for myself. Hopefully next year I can get even better.”
The Red Ants scoring slowed during the postseason, with their average dropping from 5.8 goals per game to 1.3. Still, Mendoza made his presence felt, netting his first playoff goal during Progreso’s fourth-round matchup against eventual state champion Boerne.
Progreso’s season came to an end during the Region IV-4A semifinals against Boerne, falling 8-1. Mendoza capped off his inaugural varsity campaign by earning District 31-4A first team honors.
Despite losing in the fourth round to Boerne, Mendoza said he’s ready to build off a successful individual and team campaign.
“It was a good first year back,” Mendoza said. “We got to Round 4 and were able to experience bigger competition and everything. A lot of people didn’t expect it. We just went out there and tried.
“We had some seniors leave and we have new players coming in. Now, it feels like I’m the veteran. I want to show the new kids and help them get their experience too. I want to improve my speed, shooting and passing. Overall, though, I just want to make my team better and do my part.”
