9.24.19

Written by: Nina Capriotti

NISA Announces their player of the week: Steven Barrera, #0 from Bellflower, CA.

Steven Barrera is 26 years old from Bellflower, CA. Following high school at Long Beach Millikan, Steven moved on to play four years at Cal State Los Angeles. 

Steven was put into the Starting XI lineup on Sunday’s game. We asked him about his overall thoughts on his first start as a professional player. “I wasn’t expecting to have an overwhelming amount of feelings. Seeing the crowd and having it be my first time starting as a pro made me emotional.”

(Starting XI From Back Left to Right: Chris Klute, Steven Barrera, Kevin Jeon, Gonzalo Salguero, Gustavo Villalobos, Xavier Fuerte. From Front Row Left to Right: Miguel Sanchez-Rincon, Abraham Villon, Christian Thierjung, Michael Bryant, Duncan Capriotti)

In the 57^th minute, with Cal United up 2-0 against Los Angeles Force, defender Xavier Fuerte was late on a tackle just Inside the box. The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, awarding a penalty kick. Los Angeles Force player, Lorenzo Ramos Garcia stepped up to take the PK. Steven stared down Lorenzo as the referee blew his whistle. Steven dove to his right and, with outstretched arms, deflected the ball to the side. We asked Steven to take us through his thoughts about the penalty kick. “As soon as they called the PK, I knew he was going to my right, Gonzo pointed to the same spot I thought and that reaffirmed my choice. I committed.”

(Steven Barrera saving a Penalty Kick in the 57th minute of the game against Los Angeles Force)

Following a tremendous penalty kick save Barrera, left the match with a minor injury and was replaced by Kifi Cabrera for the remainder of the match. California United Strikers FC finished with a score of 3-0 beating Los Angeles Force.

Steven received NISA’s player of the week, “It’s an honor to earn player of the week. This is motivation for me to keep this momentum rolling into tomorrow’s game.” California United Strikers FC take on Oakland Roots tomorrow, September 25^th at 7:00 PM at Championship Stadium.