Bastrop's Carbajal chosen district soccer defensive MVP

Andy Carbajal (green arm band) clears a ball against a crowd of LASA athletes

By Jim Irish

Photos by Jason Miller

Bastrop High School's Andy Carbajal could easily line up at midfield, but he prefers stopping attacks on the backline.

Carbajal, a 6-foot-1, 155-pound junior, was recently voted the soccer defensive MVP in District 24-5A Division II by coaches. He received the superlative award despite missing two district matches because of concussion protocol. Bastrop lost both games without Carbajal.

Carbajal makes a sliding tackle against LASA

"He was a problem for most of the teams in our district," Bastrop coach Greg Vuagniaux said. "He does a great job of shutting down opposition attacks. He's a tough individual and a tough individual to game plan for. He understands the game really well."

"... He does a great job shutting down opposition attacks. ..."

-- Bastrop coach Greg Vuagniaux about Andy Carbajal

With Carbajal at center back, Bastrop allowed only 14 goals total in district, the third fewest among seven teams. Of course, he was supported by his teammates on the back line and freshman goal keeper Gavin Meraz.

Bastrop advanced to the regional semifinals and was one victory from reaching the state seminals. The Bears were fourth in district but advanced further in the playoffs than all district teams except for LASA.

Angel Chavez (11) dribbles

Carbajal was easily spotted on the field wearing a captain's green band on his left arm.

Vuagniaux said Carbajal prefers the left center back position, but against LASA in the playoffs, he moved to the right side to mark offensive threat Kiran Kini, who scored two goals.

As a sophomore, Carbajal was selected to the all-district first team.

Carbajal competes for Capital City Soccer Club in Austin. The club practices three times a week and plays tournaments on weekends throughout the state.

He also kicked field goals and extra points for the Bastrop football team last season and has the athleticism to play cornerback on defense next season.

Angel Chavez, a 6-1 left wing, was chosen to the district's first team. Chavez, a junior, scored five goals and had two assists in district matches.

Bastrop striker Caden Justice (green arm band) comes up short against LASA

"He's a very savvy player on the ball," Vuagniaux said. "He likes attacking opportunities."

On the second team were senior striker Caden Justice and sophomore midfielder Isaac Velasquez. Justice, who played with a leg injury during the second half of district, finished with three goals and two assists.

Isaac Velasquez (8) battles for possession

"He played limited time in district to be healthy for the playoffs," Vuagniaux said about Justice.

Velasquez had two goals and three assists in district.

Honorable mention picks were junior right back Diego Chavez and sophomore midfielder Franklin Gutierrez.

All are returning next season except for Justice.

For Cedar Creek High School, Santiago Solis and Jayden Escalante were chosen to the first team. Amir Salinas and Jaime Cornejo made the second team.

Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas