Senior Tyler Sundermann has been a backbone for the Jags with his solid goaltending this season. Photo by Lenny Kerbs

Sometimes, a team’s record doesn’t come close to telling the whole story.

There are times when you must consider more than just cold, hard numbers to appreciate the big picture. 

Case in point: the Valley Center High boys soccer team. 

At first glance, their 2-10-5 overall record isn’t that encouraging. Moreover, the Jaguars have been shut-out nine times and scored but 12 goals the entire season. Plus, they haven’t won a game in their last 12 outings—although four have been ties.

However, drill down a bit and you discover that this club, despite its record, can compete with just about anybody it faces and is on the verge of a real breakthrough—whether this year or next. 

Often, challenging circumstances and not necessarily being outplayed have conspired against the Jaguars.

Issues such as impactful injuries, untimely red cards, working through the growing pains of a young roster and making critical errors at pivotal times, have clearly burdened the Jags. Also, unlike bigger Division 2 and 3 schools with much larger pool of players to draw from, VC (in D4) often runs into the problem of not having the depth other foes do.

Nonetheless. here’s the truth that matters most when evaluating the club of respected head coach Julio Ruiz: These Jags compete with an effort that never wavers. They are a resilient group that keeps showing up and getting after it. They realize they’re amidst a process that involves gaining experience, paying their dues and demonstrating tangible improvement. That figures to take a while. In other words, there’s has to be short-term pain to eventually realize long-term gain.

Entering the 2025-26 campaign, coach Ruiz knew it would be a testing one given the youthful nature of his roster that currently includes 10 underclassmen. Many players would need time to immerse themselves in the culture, strategies and values upon which the team is built. 

Also, a real complication developed early on when senior Bryan Penaloza – projected to be a captain and defensive stalwart the team could lean on – was lost due to an ACL injury he suffered while playing football. 

That left a huge void that simply couldn’t be filled. A veteran presence the Jags were hoping to rely on was suddenly gone.

As the season unfolded, there were fits and starts and some costly lapses but in general, the compete level of the Jags has been laudatory. Their considerable upside has manifested itself during extended stretches of notable play. Ruiz is convinced that his charges are close – really close – to becoming a team capable of putting it all together. In his mind, they are knocking on the door.

Matters on the defensive side have been solid enough—save for a few breakdowns and mental mistakes along the way.

Offense is where a real jump needs to be made. Advancing the ball up to the attacking zone hasn’t been a major issue, but once the Jags are there things have tended to break down. 

This is the last piece of the offensive puzzle VC must address. The Jaguars have to start executing more efficiently with their crossing passes, through balls and converting scoring chances when they present themselves. Ruiz believes that with additional reps and more game-time experience in these areas, the Jags will soon turn the corner and start finding the back of the net with much greater frequency.

With the regular season winding down and with only four Valley League games left on the schedule, here are the cornerstone Jaguar players who figure to be most prominent in VC’s chase to secure a place in the upcoming CIF Division 4 playoffs.

In senior goalie and captain Tyler Sundermann, the Jags have a big, natural athlete who’s also a great leader. Sundermann has kept VC in several games with his distinguished play—which includes three shutouts and a pair of contests when he yielded a single goal.

Another senior of note is attacking midfielder Leo Morales. A four-year veteran, Morales possesses superior dribbling skills, a dynamic left foot and the capability of scoring outside the box.

Junior defensive midfielder Eratsini Hernandez Palomo is a hustling competitor imbued with a tremendous work ethic. Palomo has been a rock this season and projects to be a potential star next year.

Heading up the team’s promising sophomore corps is defensive center back Christian Munoz, who offers a real physical presence. Adept at both headers and slide tackles, Munoz is a bona fide force. 

Alexander Zuniga Ibarra is another valued Jag captain, known to be a vocal leader to whom others gravitate. A stout defender, Ibarra is adroit at keeping his team organized on the pitch.

Finally, attacking midfielder Joseph Martinez is an ascending athlete who brings a high soccer IQ and a knack for unleashing long-distance shots. 

Their record isn’t gaudy but if you’re willing to do some investigation, finding positives about the Jaguars isn’t hard. This is an upcoming and growing team poised for much better things when it comes to wins and losses. 

With 14 players – spearheaded by a terrific sophomore class – due to return next season, the future appears mighty bright for the VC boys soccer program.

But no one should anyone write off this season. These Jags have shown that when they’re at their best, they can hang with anyone they encounter. Just ask the formidable and highly- regarded San Marcos Knights (15-3-1) who in two tight and intense tussles with the Jaguars, were tied (0-0) before squeaking by with a 2-1 win thanks to a late penalty kick. VC pushed them to the limit.

So come playoff time, any team that focuses on VC’s record best beware. These Jaguars are much more than their record may indicate. Overlook them at your own peril.