St. Francis boys’ soccer’s Bazarevitsch earns top goalkeeping honor
In one of the most competitive leagues in Southern California, Michael Bazarevitsch made a plethora of extraordinary saves.
Before that happened, the St. Francis High senior soccer player sat on the bench during his first two seasons waiting his turn to start. Bazarevitsch seized the opportunity once he was given the nod to take over the goalkeeping chores as a junior and showed he could handle the demanding position.
Bazarevitsch shined this season for the playoff-bound Golden Knights, finishing with five shutouts en route to being named the Mission League Most Valuable Goalkeeper for the first time.
“I knew I had to wait my turn,” Bazarevitsch said. “I learned a lot during my first two years and what it took to be a leader.
“Then I got my chance and put in my best effort while getting a lot of help from my defenders. In order to be a successful team, I believe that it’s defense first and then scoring goals will come. It’s exciting to get an honor like this one in such a great league.”
St. Francis coach Glen Appels said the Golden Knights could always count on Bazarevitsch.
“There were some games when he made a bunch of great saves,” said Appels, whose team went 10-8-2, 6-5-1 for fourth place. “We had a game at Crespi and he stopped a penalty shot in a game we won, 2-0. If he doesn’t make that save, it’s 2-1 and there’s still time left to play.
“Michael was on the bench those first two years and didn’t worry about playing time. As good a player he is, he’s a better person. It’s rewarding to see him get a league award like that one.”
Three other Golden Knights were bestowed with all-league recognition.
Senior forward Colton Ramirez was named to the first team.
Ramirez registered 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points.
“He’s another terrific player and one of our captains,” said Appels, who has led the Golden Knights to three CIF championships and one Southern California Regional title. “Colton just seemed to find the right time to score goals.”
Junior defender Scott Cross-Hernandez and sophomore midfielder Carlos Monserratt were selected to the second team.
Cross-Hernandez finished with two goals and three assists. Monserratt added two goals.
St. Francis lost to championship runner-up Sunny Hills in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division II playoffs.
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
