Rodriguez blazing the recruiting pitch

By Eric Trent

Peninsula men’s soccer recruiting is heating up with Cale Rodriguez already nabbing four commitments for the 2015 season, including the 3rd ranked prospect in the state of Oregon, and two top-15 ranked prospects from the state of Hawaii.
Joe Sorenson, an outside mid/forward, was the 3rd ranked prospect from Oregon, coming out of high school, according to Maxpreps.com.
“Originally from Oregon, Joe recently transferred from NDNU in Northern California and played for a very good Division II program and coach in BJ Noble. Joe is the exact type of player we will be looking for here at Peninsula,” Rodriguez said.
“He’s a good student with strong character and high aspirations. Most importantly, he wants to win. He brings good experience having already played a year of college soccer at a high level and will certainly make a strong impact on our program on many levels,” Rodriguez added.
Carlos Harvey Jr, an outside mid/forward from Kapolei High School in Kapolei, Hawaii; is the 9th ranked prospect from the state of Hawaii.
“I saw Carlos play at the Players Showcase in Las Vegas, which was the first recruiting event I attended since taking over the program. He has great speed and is very explosive, plus he scores goals. He will be a great addition to our group of front players,” Rodriguez said.
Demar Stewart, an outside back from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, Hawaii; is the 15th ranked prospect in the state of Hawaii.
“Originally from Jamaica, Demar comes from a great club background in the Honolulu Bulls and coach Phil Neddo. He covers a lot of ground because of his athleticism and makes things look easy. He’s simple in his play and will contribute immediately to our back line,” Rodriguez said.
Tristan Crowl, a centerback from Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho; is the fourth and final incoming freshman for the Pirates.
“Tristan was a player that had visited prior to my arrival and came back once we started our spring training period. He is very confident, plays simple out of the back and wins a majority of his defensive battles. He has a great frame and will only continue to get better during his time here at Peninsula,” Rodriguez said.
Returning from an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2014 season is Vitor Maia, a center midfielder/outside midfielder from Salvador, Brazil;
“Vitor was on the roster for the 2013 season and suffered a knee injury early in 2014 that forced him to miss all of last season. He is recently coming back from that injury and is back with us this spring. Rodriguez said. He is a very technical player with good vision and the ability to play in tight spaces. If he can get healthy he will bring a different look to our midfield group,” Rodriguez concluded.