Echeverri led Celebration to soccer success

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Echeverri led Celebration to soccer success

Sports

Wednesday, 21 April 2010 12:57

News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan

Celebration’s Santiago Echeverri (2) plays the ball during the 4A District 6 semifinal against Tavares.

By Ken Jackson
Sports Writer
If you’re sailing through uncharted waters, Santiago Echeverri isn’t a bad choice to have manning the helm.
It worked for Celebration’s boys soccer team the last two seasons.
Echeverri, the attacking midfielder in the Storm’s potent offense, captained the team this season through the district tournament, where the team defended its Class 4A District 6 crown, and into the regional playoffs.
Celebration reached the Region 2 final and came up just a goal short of putting an Osceola County team in the state tournament for the first time. The Storm lost 1-0 on a cold, rainy night to eventual 4A state champion New Port Richey Mitchell.

Last year, as a sophomore, Echeverri led the Storm to the regional playoffs for the first time. He’ll be a senior next year, so there’s still a chance for Celebration’s field captain to lead them into the Final Four.
“We’ve still got stuff to learn, but I feel like we could have beaten [Mitchell], we could have been the state champs,” he said.
The Storm took the last two Orange Belt Conference titles with Echeverri leading a very up-tempo offense that struck quickly; Celebration trailed in only one of its victories.
“I try to play simple soccer. Get the ball, make a quick touch, pass it and go forward,” he said.
He did an equally good job as a shooter (23 goals) and passer (15 assists) this year for Celebration, which went a school-record 17-5. That’s a big reason why Echeverri is the Osceola News-Gazette Soccer Player of the Year.
He said the team worked together better this year, explaining the team’s easy path through the district tournament and advancement to the regional final.
“The communication, especially with the forwards, really improved this year,” Echeverri said.
Former CHS Coach Mike Meechin, who announced Tuesday that he has resigned his position, said Echeverri needs little guidance.
“He’s one of the most versatile players I’ve worked with, and I have coached at bit of talent at CHS,” Meechin said.
“He will go wherever, and will do whatever we ask of him and will execute with the greatest of skill. For a kid of his stature to be able to command the game the way he does speaks volumes.”
While Echeverri, a native of Colombia who’s been in the U.S. for six years, is the midfielder teams know they have to shut down for Celebration, he plays forward on his club team, Maitland Arsenal United.
“I don’t mind playing either position,” he said. “They are both their own challenge.”
Echeverri said that despite his success, he must improve his game.
“I want to work on my left foot, and I’d also like to have shorter touches,” he said.
He said that once next soccer season rolls around, it’ll be all about one goal on Storm Field.
“Go all the way,” he said.