4A HONORS: Southwest player of year Regalado keys Clark’s climb

Clark boys soccer coach Juan Chavez was confident his team could compete for a playoff spot in the Southwest League, largely because of its defense.

Adding junior midfielder Juan Regalado merely solidified that bid.

“He had a willingness as a junior to take on responsibility as an attacking player,” Chavez said. “He could score and take away the pressure from our defense.”

Regalado, who had 23 goals and six assists in leading the Chargers to a 13-4-2 record and a Sunset Region playoff berth, was voted Southwest League player of the year by league coaches. Sierra Vista’s Ryan Quinn and Durango’s Harold Nichols shared coach of the year honors.

Regalado also earned All-Southern Nevada, All-Sunset Region and All-Southwest League honors.

Regalado’s scoring ability regularly lifted the Chargers, who outscored opponents 65-27 with four shutouts, and Chavez said the team captain who the Chargers called “Junior” has a future in soccer.

“Junior has a good head on his shoulders now, and I think he’s going to do well, beyond high school and beyond college,” said Chavez, who has received calls from junior colleges and second-division clubs in Mexico regarding Regalado. “I think he even has MLS potential.”

Regalado’s leadership was key in helping a young Clark team reach the postseason.

“He played through an injury, because he put the team above himself,” Chavez said. “Even when he was injured, he helped the team to be able to score through his passes. He’s one of the few players I’ve seen here at Clark that has the potential to go beyond the college level.”

Sunrise Region champion Eldorado swept the Northeast League awards. Senior midfielder Ruben Duran won player of the year and Gerald Pentsil took coach of the year.

Saul Aguirre of Sunset champion Legacy earned Northwest player of the year after leading the Longhorns to their second straight state title, and the Longhorns’ Jose Gomez was selected coach of the year.

Coronado’s Jordan Yergensen took Southeast player of the year, and Foothill’s Andrew Risheg was coach of the year.