The Black Hawk College men’s soccer team wrapped up its second season with three players earning spots on conference and region teams.
Photo courtesy of Susy Ruiz
Freshman Alejandro (Ale) Torres was named Region IV Division II All-Region team. He also was one of three Braves named to NJCAA Region IV Arrowhead Conference All-Conference Teams:
1st Team
- Emmanuel (Manny) Raya of Moline, Moline H.S. (IL)
2nd Team
- Maxemilio (Max) Oviedo of Chicago, Alcott College Prep H.S. (IL)
- Alejandro (Ale) Torres of Rock Island, Rock Island H.S. (IL)
Torres leads the school with 13 goals and 11 assists, breaking Jose Ruiz’ record of nine goals and four assists from the Braves’ inaugural 2021 season.
“Ale is a great player and a great student as well. He scored key goals in close games,” said head coach Charlie Ochoa.
Alejandro (Ale) Torres
Emmanuel (Manny) Raya
Maxemilio (Max) Oviedo
The Braves started the season with a bang, winning their first game 7-2. In later games, they tallied scores of 8-0 and 7-1 and ended the season with back-to-back wins of 3-1 and 2-1.
“As a second-year program, I am very pleased with how our season played out,” Ochoa said.
“We came up short a few games from a spot in the playoffs but finished our season with a positive winning record of 9-7,” he said.
The 2022 season also saw the Braves improve from their inaugural 2021 season record of 4-8-2.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these guys,” he said. “The team chemistry, grind and hustle were always 100%.”
Ochoa is working to build an even better team for 2023.
“We have several incoming recruits that will add more talent to the foundation that we have built,” he said. “Overall, we exceeded expectations and look forward to making some more noise next season.”
The college announced in February 2020 that it was starting a men’s and women’s soccer program thanks to a generous donation from alumni Bob and Blenda Ontiveros. Both teams began competing in August 2021.
Get more information about the BHC men’s soccer team.
Isiah Ruiz photo courtesy of Susy Ruiz.