Scorpions boast a solid goalkeeper in ex-Pace standout Gamboa

When he was a freshman in 2007, it took only a few games for former Pace standout Juan Gamboa to prove himself as the goalkeeper who deserved to start for the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College men’s soccer team.

Since then, Gamboa, now a junior, has been a fixture in the Scorpions’ lineup and has become one of the team’s most dependable players. He’s a three-time All-Red River Athletic Conference selection, earning first-team recognition as a freshman and junior, and second-team honors as a sophomore. Gamboa has recorded eight shutouts this season with the help of a talented group of defenders surrounding him, including two-time RRAC defensive player of the year Brian Hardie, a senior from Corby, England.

"I believe I have gotten a lot better on my communicating skills," said the 5-foot-9 Gamboa, a kinesiology major. "Coach (Dan) Balaguero has given me the confidence of being able to communicate with my defenders. Maybe I’ve gotten stronger, not just physically, but also mentally. I just love being in this group of great players who all are aiming their sights towards the same goal (of winning a national title)."

The No. 15 UTB-TSC men (17-0-1) play host to No. 12 Biola University (13-4-2) of California at 6 p.m. Saturday at REK Center Field in the opening round of the NAIA national tournament. Saturday’s doubleheader at REK Center Field begins at 3 p.m. with the UTB-TSC women (11-4-2) taking on Southern Nazarene University (16-3-1) of Oklahoma in another NAIA tournament first-round match. Saturday’s winners advance to NAIA Sweet 16 tournaments in California for the men and Alabama for the women.

"To win this game (Saturday) would not only be special for me and the team, it would mean so much for the university and the (Rio Grande) Valley," Gamboa said. "Getting our school nationally recognized in sports would be great. I think winning this game would be very special for so many people, not just players, but families and friends also."

Balaguero knows he can count on Gamboa and the rest of the defense for another strong effort, the same as the unit has displayed throughout the season.

"Juan has been absolutely magnificent again this year," the UTB-TSC coach said. "He was a very good keeper when he came here in 2007, but now he is more mature and experienced. His mentality is that of a professional. He always trains hard, whether it is goalkeeper drills, fitness or weights. He is a complete winner who demands excellence from himself and his teammates. He has great technique, and he’s a wonderful shot stopper with the best distribution I have ever seen at this level."

Gamboa said success at his position is a credit to the players around him.

"I believe the defenders I have in front of me are some of the most experienced in the NAIA," he said. "I have a two-time defensive player of the year and a past national champion (Hardie) right in front of me. What else could a goalkeeper ask for? The left and right backs (defenders) are also very hard to get past. The whole team has great communcation with each other. Our defense is always communicating during the game, and that really helps us when getting attacked on."

The standout goalkeeper said one of the most satisfying aspects of attending college in his hometown and playing for the Scorpions is that it’s easier for his parents, Juan Sr. and Maria Gamboa, to watch him play.

"My parents are great," Gamboa said. "They never miss a home game, and if they have a chance, they even go to the away games. I am so happy they get to see me play and that they get to enjoy it. Most of what I do is for them, and I love them both."

Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com.