By Christian Galligan – Staff Reporter

With the 2024 boys soccer season underway, senior captain Alex Rodriguez is looking to lead the team to a strong finish.

Rodriguez has helped the team in many ways being the utility player the team needs, from playing defense, offense and never fearing his competition.  He plays with passion and is willing to do whatever it takes to win on the soccer field.  

“Alex is one of our most versatile soccer players on the pitch, when we need goals we try to move him up to the attacking areas on the field,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “When we need to keep a lead or play tougher defense he is a center back that helps us win balls in the air and cuts off any through balls with his size and speed.”

Rodriguez said he always pushes the team to be their best. Teammates said mentality and commitment to the team helps to make him a strong player, and someone the younger players can look up to.

“Rodriguez took the preseason games seriously and showed up to every preseason practice,” senior Co-Captain Daniel Haluza said.  “One of our goals is to score at least one goal every game, and Alex can help contribute to that with his attacking ability.”

Rodriguez has never backed down from competition, and will play through injury if that’s what it means to help the team.

“Rodriguez knows what it means to be a Lawmen soccer player and has been battle tested over the years,” Gruber said.  “He has a presence about him that earns respect because of his work ethic.”

Rodriguez has tried to make freshman and first year players feel welcomed. 

“I always try my best and always think about the younger players as they are the future of the team,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has made it very easy for the first year players to adapt and understand what it takes to be a varsity soccer player.

“Alex makes sure to let everyone know where to be, and when to be there,” first-year junior Ryan Nobles said.  “Being my first year, Alex has helped introduce me to the game, and makes sure everyone feels welcomed and knows what’s going on.”

Rodriguez helps to keep the team in every game, even against tougher competition, with his constant drive and determination to win games.  

“Alex keeps our team in games with his great defensive effort and has helped us greatly against good teams we have faced,” sophomore Max Moller said. 

Rodriguez has his eyes set on a goal for the year and is looking for ways to meet those goals.

“The team’s main goals are to make states, and beat Foran,” Rodriguez said.

The Jonathan Law soccer team has high hopes for the remainder of the season and Rodriguez is very confident he’ll be able to reach his goals and be able to lead the team to their goals.