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By Ray Hamill — Since returning as head coach of the College of the Redwoods men’s soccer team earlier this offseason, Pedro Cortes-Garcia has been busy hitting the recruiting trails.

Cortes-Garcia, who previously coached the CR men from 2015 to 2018, has added eight H-DNL standouts to his roster for the fall season and he believes all eight can have a big impact for the team.

That group includes five Fortuna Huskies and three Del Norte Warriors, the last two H-DNL champions, and all of them bring a wealth of high school experience and a winning mentality to the rejuvenated program.

“These young boys that are coming in, they all bring that understanding of what it’s like to be in a program that wants to compete,” the new CR coach said. “They’ve experienced winning.”

The Fortuna commits include last season’s H-DNL MVP Jesus Herrera-Vielma, who played a key role in leading the Huskies to another league championship in his senior season, as well as all-league honorable mentions Diego Osorio and Leo Vargas, as well as Hector Dominguez, all of whom committed their futures to the local JC program at a recent letter signing ceremony.

Their Fortuna teammate Raffy Diaz also has committed his future to the team as the CR men’s team continues its longstanding and fruitful connection with the local high school dynasty that has won 10 titles under the guidance of Daniel Holmes.

And Holmes, who gave Cortes-Garcia his start in coaching right after he graduated from Fortuna High in 2011, believe the latest contingent of Huskies have what it takes to succeed at the JC level.

Particularly Herrera-Vielma, whom he describes as “just a good kid.”

“He scored big goals when we needed them,” Holmes said of the opportunistic forward. “He’s ready to listen and ready to work.”

Osorio, a center back, and Vargas, a left winger, also could have a big impact with their new team.

“He’s a natural leader, and I’m excited to see what he does in college,” Holmes said of Osorio. “He’s definitely capable. He’s been around the game a long time and I’m excited to see this leadership skills come out in college.”

Vargas, meanwhile, brings other intangibles to the table in addition to his obvious skills.

“He wants to get up and down the wing,” Holmes said. “And I think he’s hungry. He wants to work to keep bettering his skills.”

Dominguez played center midfield for the 2024 league champs and it’s a position he’s well suited to.

“Hector never gives up,” Holmes said. “He never backs down. He’s a work horse.”

Diaz is the most recent Husky to commit his future to the CR men, but he’s poised to have just as big an impact as any of his teammates making the jump with him.

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Cortes-Garcia sees Diaz playing the wing at the collegiate level.

“I think he’s got that speed in him,” the returning coach said. “He can be quick in space, so he will be really helpful . We want to get him in space so we can take advantage of that.”

The three Del Norte commits — goalkeeper Allan Galindo-Samano, center defender Greyson Franklin and winger Eric Rodriguez — are also expected to have an impact with the local JC program.

And Cortes-Garcia is excited to have them join his team as he looks to reestablish the CR men as a force in the Golden Valley Conference. 

“They know what it’s like to be part of a program that sees a lot of growth,” The CR coach said of the trio of standouts, all of whom played key roles in helping the Warriors end a 28-year wait for a league title in 2023. “They’re kids that understand there’s a challenge ahead of them and they’re willing to take on that challenge, individually and collectively.

“It’s really exciting that they’re coming in with that mindset.”

The new CR coach particularly admires Franklin’s spirit.

“He’s a fighter,” he said. “He’s got that work ethic. He doesn’t give up. He challenges every play.”

Likewise with Galindo-Samano, who is expected to provide some valuable leadership between the posts.

“Allan brings a lot of composure in the goal,” the coach said. “He’s somebody that’s going to be really important for us when he’s back there, and he’ll help our defense maintain the mindset to stay in the game, to keep fighting.”

The CR coach believes that Rodriguez will also bring a fighter’s mentality to the program.

“His work ethic is something to admire,” Cortes-Garcia said. “He’s got an attacking mindset and I think that’s something that’s going to help the team.”

Holmes believes that his former player and assistant coach can build something special at CR on his return.

And the recruitment so far suggests the longtime Fortuna coach could be right.

“It feels right and I think he’s glad he’s back,” Holmes said. “He cares about the kids. I think the kids are his No. 1 priority and preparing them for the future, and he’s had success sending kids to the next level.”

And the new coach is excite about the challenges that lie ahead.

“The message I want to give the community is that we have a unique opportunity to represent College of the Redwoods,” he said. “Whether it’s local guys or guys from out of the area, people can come in here and make a difference, and we’re really excited to be able to turn things around and build a team the community can be proud of. And we hope we can start to get that belief out around the community.”