PHOTOS: Santa Ana College men’s soccer alumni reunited in competitive match

Team Rea attacker Leo Contreras challenges Team Vasquez goalkeeper during the second half of the Santa Ana College men’s soccer alumni game Saturday morning. (PHOTOS: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Saturday mornings are known for reminiscing on the past and reliving certain memories.

Memory lane was re-lived in the Santa Ana College Complex Saturday morning during the Second Annual SAC Alumni game which featured 40 members of prior generations and classes of the program’s long and prestigious history. 

The pool of talent (which featured players from the 1999 and 2004 junior college National Championship squads) was split into two teams. Team Vasquez (Red & Black) commanded by current SAC head coach (alumnae and school hall of famer) José Vasquez against Team Rea (Black & White), commanded by renowned coach and alumni Frank Rea (1986-1988).

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

“We wanted to make sure to build something special, and for all of the alumni to be well represented. We selected guys who played here, who earned their stripes, who were champions and All-Americans, conference MVPs, and picked up all kinds of achievements while playing for us,” said Coach Vasquez.

“We want to get together to play, but also to say ‘hello,’ to see how their families are doing. It’s tough to make these selections because they’re so many who want to play. It’s also great for these guys to come and play so that they can show the current team the tradition of champions that we’ve compiled all over the years.”

The teams battled out a 1-1 draw in an exhibition game that was split into two 30-minute halves, and made several substitutions so that every selected player could get into the contest. 

The game was decided through a penalty kick shootout. Goalkeeper Pablo Rea (2023) made three pivotal saves for Team Rea, which came out as victors by a score of 3-1 in the tiebreaker.

“They played great. We played with intensity. Most of these guys were champions at one point, and you can still see the quality of their game, you can see the quality of the team, and you can see how we can finish strong,” said Coach Frank Rea. “They’re still competitive. That’s the bottom line.”

Forward Alex García (1998-2000) got Team Rea ahead during the first half after finishing up a setup play from midfielder Luis M. Diaz (2001), but Oscar Navarro (2016-18) tapped in the equalizer to level the score for Team Vasquez a few minutes shy of the halftime break. 

During the second half both teams generated plenty of opportunities, but were either denied by the post or through clutch goalkeeping.

At the end of the game players interacted and caught up before joining a group lunch.

“It’s been a while. It feels good to be here. It’s an honor to be back here and play for this team. During the two years that I played here were some of the best, and to be honest it brings back good memories,” said midfielder Carlos Nava (2000-2001), who was a two time All-Orange Empire Conference player during his tenure at SAC.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s an honor to be selected to come back and represent. The bar is always set high to play for this team, and to join forces with these players it’s always a pleasure,” said Luis M. Diaz. “It was amazing when I got the invitation. I shared it with the family right away, and they were really excited for me. Having them on the sidelines cheering for me was amazing.”

Rosters:

Team Vasquez: Sergio Buenrostro (1983), Julio Garrido (2005), Rene Corona (2002-2004), Emmanuel Vasquez (2003-2005), Nazario Miramontes (2001-2002), Eddie Buenrostro (1989-1990), Richard Vasquez (1997), Gilbert Vasquez (2003), Peter Espinoza (2004-2005), Jose Villegas (2004), Luis Venegas (2013), Juan Quezada (2001-2002), Fidel De La Torre (1980-1984), Oscar Navarro (2016-2017), Jose Lopez (2005), Ramon Soto (2004), Ramon Torres (2000), Baldemar Pineda (2015), Victor Esparza (1989-1990), Frank Aguilar (2018-2019), Jose Vasquez (1989-1990).

Team Rea: Noe Arreola (2000), Pablo Rea (2023), Santiago Guzman (1995-1996), Oscar Retiz (199-2000), Andy Arroyo (1998-1999), Carlos Rangel (1999-2000), Fernando Castellanos (1995-1996), Fernando Rico (1998-1999), Alex Garcia (1998-2000), Victor Licea (1998-1999), Luis Diaz (2001), George Galvez (2000), Hugo Langarica (2004-2005), Sergio Viera (1998-1999), Carlos Nava (200-2001), Frank Rea (1986-1988),Guillermo Barron (1997-1999), Jose Retiz (1998-1999), Leonardo Contreras (2010-2013), Noe Arvizo, Mario Rivera, Keith Buckley.