As one of the key figures to the Cerritos College men's soccer team winning the CCCAA State Championship and being named the United Soccer Coaches National Champions, sophomore midfielder Esteban Camacho (Mayfair HS) has signed a National Letter of Intent with NCAA Division I Cal State Northridge. A 1st Team All-South Coast Conference South Division selection as a sophomore, after receiving 2nd Team accolades as a freshman, Camacho was crucial to the team's success with his ability to control the ball at midfield, while also serving as a solid defensive player.
An offensive threat as well, Camacho posted four goals and a pair of assists on the year. He scored twice in a 3-2 win over Chaffey College, including the game-winner just seconds before the final whistle.
"Cal State Northrigde showed interest in me before the season even began and I really appreciated that," said Camacho, who will major in Mechanical Engineering. "I did visit the campus during the season. There were other schools interested in me but the two schools it came down to were UC Riverside and CSUN. I really liked both schools."
Camacho served as a stabilizing force on a team of gifted players. Serving as the team's captain, Camacho took on several roles, both on and off the field, which was something head coach Benny Artiaga found inspiring.
"This is the only year we have ever gone with one captain," said Artiaga. "Esteban is the epitome of a team player. We were only going to go as far as Esteban would take us. I would categorize him as pound for pound our best player with all of the intangibles he brings. There is no question in my mind that Cal State Northridge found a gem."
After the Falcons were eliminated in the state semifinals last season on penalty kicks, and then opened the season with a loss, it was Camacho, along with several other sophomores, that settled the team down. The end result of their work was a 24-game unbeaten streak (22-0-2), including 14 straight wins to end the season, which was capped by a 2-1 win over Golden West College in the state championship game.
"The thing I will remember most from Cerritos is winning this year's State Championship," added Camacho. "This whole soccer season was memorable, from our team trip to Mammoth to winning our conference. But that moment - and amazing feeling - after we won the championship is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I'm definitely going to just miss practicing, playing, and spending time with the team. It's just a lot of fun when we're all together."
Camacho will be joining a Matadors team that went 9-8-1 on the year and ended their season with a 3-2 loss to UC Davis in the first round of the Big West Tournament. Cal State Northridge was the #4-seed in the conference.
"My role at Northridge will be very similar to what my role was at Cerritos: play center defensive mid, win balls, and distribute them," said Camacho. "I ultimately chose Northridge because of their amazing coaching staff, great soccer team, and nice campus. My family and I loved the school when we visited, and I could just see myself succeeding there after I transfer."
January 2, 2019
M. Soccer: Defender Javier Cortez signs with four-year school
December 19, 2018
M. Soccer: Pair of Falcons sign with UC Riverside
December 7, 2018
M. Soccer: National awards come the Falcons way
December 4, 2018
M. Soccer: Esteban Camacho signs with Cal State Northridge
December 4, 2018
M. Soccer: Cerritos earns first National Championship
November 30, 2018
M. Soccer: Semifinal win sends Falcons to the championships
November 26, 2018
M. Soccer: State tournament-bound Falcons pick up conference awards
November 24, 2018
M. Soccer: Victory sends Falcons to state Final Four
November 20, 2018
M. Soccer: Overtime playoff win advances Falcons to next round
November 17, 2018
M. Soccer: Rejuvenated Falcons post playoff win
November 13, 2018
M. Soccer: Falcons seeded #1 for the playoffs
November 9, 2018
M. Soccer: Win concludes regular season for conference champs
November 6, 2018
M. Soccer: Ninth win in a row spurned on by second half effort
November 2, 2018
M. Soccer: First half goals enough in 2-0 win
October 30, 2018
M. Soccer: Late goal gives Falcons 4-3 win
October 26, 2018
M. Soccer: Offensive output continues in 6-1 win
October 23, 2018
M. Soccer: Second half offensive explosion leads to 8-1 win
October 19, 2018
M. Soccer: Cerritos shows they can score from any position
October 16, 2018
M. Soccer: Last-second goal propels Falcons to 3-2 win
October 12, 2018
M. Soccer: Nation's top ranked team shuts out Mt. SAC
October 9, 2018
M. Soccer: Draw keeps the Falcons unbeaten in the division
October 5, 2018
M. Soccer: Win sets up first place showdown
September 28, 2018
M. Soccer: Second half goal leads Falcons to conference win
September 25, 2018
M. Soccer: Falcons open conference play with 4-2 win
September 21, 2018
M. Soccer: Slow start for Falcons in 3-1 win over Allan Hancock
September 18, 2018
M. Soccer: Rematch of state semifinal game goes the Falcons way
September 14, 2018
M. Soccer: Road win sets up rematch of state semifinal game
September 7, 2018
M. Soccer: Best scoring chance turns into lone goal
September 2, 2018
M. Soccer: Cerritos puts six on the board in win
August 31, 2018
M. Soccer: Falcons draw with defending state champ
August 28, 2018
M. Soccer: Unbeaten streak snapped with 2-1 loss