More than anything else, Century coach Bruce Silverman felt a great sense of relief this season.
After years of close calls and near-misses, Silverman finally guided the Centurions into a CIF-SS championship match.
And it appeared the entire school wanted to be a part of the moment. Five buses, filled to capacity with students and other supporters, traveled to Corona High to watch the Centurions’ soccer team become the first program (boys or girls) from the school to play for a section title.
“I think this (playing for the championship) did a lot of things for our school … (it) doesn’t get to experience that much positive in sports or academics,” said Silverman, who has been selected the Register’s Coach of the Year. “It is always great to have that notoriety.”
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The Centurions lost to Orange League rival Anaheim, 2-0, in the Division 3 championship match. Century did earn some bragging rights over Anaheim by securing the league title – the Centurions’ first since 2008.
“These kids were so supportive of each other. There was no negativity. They were like one big family,” said Silverman, who added that he wished he could share his award with assistant coach Marcello Aguirre.
The team, Silverman said, bonded early in the season while playing in the Arizona Soccer Showcase in Phoenix. Century cruised to the championship, outscoring its opponents, 18-4.
That unity helped the Cenutrions navigate some tough times, which included losing All-County midfielder Amirgy Pineda for a month.
In addition to the trying everyday issues that all coaches face, Silverman had to deal with some issues that others don’t face. Silverman had players who skipped practices during the season so they could earn money to help support the family, or the players had to help a parent in other ways.
“It’s not a normal situation. This is truly their relief (from the pressures),” Silverman said. “For our kids, soccer becomes a big deal. I always talk about this before the games, that this could be the biggest day of your life.”
Contact the writer: ddottore@ocregister.com
