Dozens of Crusaders Soccer teams prep for exciting season

Thirty-nine competitive Crusaders Soccer teams are preparing for a very exciting season. 

Through the efforts of Victor Melendez, and his support staff, there has been a 40% gain in the number of competitive teams over the previous season. 

Another piece of good news for the Crusaders Soccer competitive program is that seven boys’ and four girls’ teams have been accepted into the United States Youth Soccer National League (USYS) Premiere 2 Division. 

Melendez stated, “We have a great group of professional, competitive coaches, and several are now serving with additional responsibilities. Two of them are Justin Robinett and Erick Melendez.”

Justin Robinett – “As the girls director at Crusaders SC and head coach of two of our National League teams, I am deeply committed to elevating the technical and tactical development of our female athletes. My coaching philosophy is rooted in positivity, empowerment and purposeful growth—both on and off the field.

“At Crusaders Soccer Club, we’ve built a clear developmental pathway that begins at the foundational ages and supports our players as they pursue their personal goals, whether that’s collegiate soccer, higher-level competition or becoming leaders in life. I take pride in fostering a team environment where players feel challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.”

Erick Melendez – “I am responsible for all areas of development in the older boy groups. All 11v11 teams are to feed into the National League program. I take a holistic approach with everything from periodization, playing style, recruiting, staffing and everything else that involves the program. We develop great players and citizens. We provide the best learning environment and encourage development. We challenge players on and off the field with a focus on higher education and not just soccer. We strive to provide a platform for players to be exposed to college soccer and hopefully use soccer as a vehicle to achieve higher education. 

“My goal is for our boys’ program to be the biggest and strongest program in East County and one of the biggest in San Diego. I want our players to wear our colors with pride and know that it represents something more than just a club. At Crusaders, we are a community, a family, and a way of life.”

Pair of teams win their division 

The annual Crown City Classic Soccer Tournament in Coronado was July 26-27, and two of teams won their division. The Academy level 2013 and 2016 Boys teams were victorious.  

The 2013 team coached by Lauren Johnson outscored the opposition 18-7 in four games.  The Boys’ 2016 team, coached by Ivon Melendez, scored a total of 22 goals while only allowing five.

Melendez stated, “This was the first competitive game for half the team, as they had just moved up from our recreational program. It was a special win with so many new players.  The team has jelled quickly and every player is working hard. I am very proud of the team and how they have come together.”

Nearly 1,000 recreational level players registered

Registration for the Crusaders Soccer fall recreational season ended July 28.  

Modesto Guariniello, the director of coaching for the Crusaders’ recreational division, stated, “We have nearly 1,000 recreational-level players registered for our fall season. I want to sincerely thank each of our 13 volunteer division coordinators and all our volunteer coaches. 

“It truly takes a dedicated village to have a viable program for so many boys and girls and to ensure they have a fun and valuable experience,” he continued. “It is a significant commitment to coach a team throughout a season. We begin our 11 weeks of soccer games on Saturday, Sept. 6, on virtually all grass fields in Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and San Carlos. Come out and enjoy some games.”