Camp Verde soccer is 5-3-1 this season and freshman Gary Ortega has played an integral role this season.
Ortega has scored eight goals this season and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Camp Verde Journal had the chance to speak with Ortega.
Who is your favorite player?
My favorite player is French footballer Kylian Mbappé because he is young and already so well-known.
How do you get motivated before a game?
Most of the time I prefer listening to music before a game to loosen myself up. I also pray before matches and talk with my teammates about great plays we made in past matches
What has been your favorite goal this season?
It happened against Show Low, who has been the toughest team we have played this season. Early on, my teammate Brandon Cruz took it down the sideline and crossed it in to me. I knew somebody was there because crossing it from the sideline is our main play. I just happened to be there to score and that game ended in a 1-1 tie.
How would you describe the connection between you and Brandon?
We have really good chemistry. I played with Brandon since fifth grade so we both know how to get the best from each other. Brandon has a really quick style of play along with his passing skills and great vision.
How has the transition from middle school to high school been?
It has been complicated but I have been playing with this team since I was in fifth grade so it was not much of a difference.
Why do you think this team could make a deep playoff run?
We all know each other really well and have great chemistry on and off the field.
What have you improved on the most from middle school to high school?
I have become more confident now compared to middle school. In middle school, I did not really have the leadership then that I do now but I have learned my place. I am a young guy as well but I would say I am more experienced. Coach Miller said that if you see something that your teammates do not, then help them out.
The Cowboys next home game is Tuesday. October. 16. when Camp Verde hosts Page High School.
The match begins at 4 p.m.
