M. Soccer: Fourth Falcon to move on to next level

Leo Perez signs with Marymount California University

Posted: Mar 26, 2020

Following the decisions of Kevin Diaz (UCLA), Eugene Martinez (UC Irvine) and Dominic Valdivia (University of San Francisco), Cerritos College men's soccer player Leonel Perez will be playing next season at Marymount California University. The forward out of St. John Bosco High, spent three seasons with the Falcons and was a member of two CCCAA State Final Four teams, while he was a red-shirt in 2018 when Cerritos won the state and national championship.

"I'm really proud of Leo," said head coach Benny Artiaga. "He is a great example of a player who used his time here to grow, get better and become a great player. I'm positive he will help out Marymount California University. They have a great coach and they will be getting a player ready to come in and produce."

Although his efforts didn't always show up on the scoresheet (one goal, one assist), it was his speed and grit in his two seasons that cleared the way for teammates to lead the Falcons to victory. In the 31 games in which he appeared in his two seasons, Cerritos went 27-0-4.

"I think what made me join Marymount was its atmosphere!" stated Perez. "It reminded me a lot about St. John Bosco because it is very small and you get to know everyone. I was in contact with other colleges, but I felt Marymount was going to be my best move. What I will miss the most about playing for Cerritos is the motivation to win the National Title back to back. I'll remember most about Cerritos is how much my soccer level had gone up. I feel that I have became a better soccer player here. Some strengths I feel that I could add to this program are my speed on the wings as well as my motivation and hunger to win another title."

The Mariners reached the Cal Pac Conference championship game last season and concluded the year with a 12-7-1 record.

"He's such a great young man and we will miss him dearly," stated Artiaga.