A Cut Above

Carlos Morales’ high school soccer career ended March 4 with his tear-soaked jersey pulled over his head after Reseda High was defeated by El Camino Real in the City Section semifinals.

Despite the disappointing loss, which denied the Regents a chance to win their second consecutive City title, Morales was head and shoulders above the competition for much of the season. The senior midfielder is The Times’ region player of the year.

A member of the U.S. under-18 national team who earned All-American honors in December, Morales lived up to his reputation.

“Carlos is at another level,” said Terry Davila, Reseda’s co-coach. “He makes a bad pass given to him look like a great pass because of the way he handles the ball.

“People have come to expect him to be that good, and that’s the biggest compliment in the world.”

Morales, 5 feet 6 and 130 pounds, said his play suffered early this season when he put unnecessary pressure on himself.

“At the beginning, I wanted to show people I was worth the hype,” Morales said. “But towards the middle of the season, I realized I couldn’t think about that. I just had to play.”

Morales left behind a trail of exasperated opponents, who were unable to keep up with his agility and quick distribution of the ball. He scored eight goals and had 15 assists, and was such a threat that defenders couldn’t focus on the Regents’ other players.

Because of academic deficiencies as a freshman, Morales will not graduate from Reseda. He will likely play at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo., in the fall if he passes an equivalency test.

Whatever his future, Morales says he will never lose his love of the game.

“I never stop dreaming about soccer, I never let go,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of being a professional [player] and being in the stadium with people looking at you and saying, ‘Did you see him make that great play?’ ”

The region’s soccer fans have already seen Morales make them.

Other all-region players are:

* Mario Merino, Kennedy

* Junior, goalkeeper

* Kennedy’s inexperienced team was able to survive growing pains with this stalwart in goal.

* Miguel Luquin, Poly

* Junior, defender

* Graceful yet tough, he gave the Parrots some bite. Also a standout at forward.

* Edwin Miranda, Reseda

* Junior, defender

* His quiet, commanding presence in back allowed the flashy Regents to take chances on the rest of the field. Scored 15 goals.

* Jeff Soll, El Camino Real

* Senior, defender

* Few players matched his intensity at sweeper. He was the most valuable player for the City champions.

* Ismael Valencia, Monroe

* Sophomore, defender

* His composure and reliable decisions made the Vikings’ back line among the best in region.

* Brad Workman, Buena

* Junior, midfielder

* A natural scorer whether playing the midfield or at forward, he was a force with 18 goals.

* Mike Erush, Birmingham

* Junior, midfielder

* Listed as a stopper, he made the Patriots’ defense almost impenetrable and was equally valuable to the team’s scoring attack.

* Jorge Ledesma, Hart

* Senior, midfielder

* The Foothill League’s player of the year had eight goals and 19 assists, leading the Indians to the league title.

* David Cervantes, Rio Mesa

* Senior, forward

* The Spartans’ career scoring leader had 24 goals this season and helped them to the Division I quarterfinals.

* Rafael Garcia, Highland

* Senior, forward

* The Golden League player of the year had 34 goals and 11 assists for the league champions.

* Casey Schmidt, Newbury Park

* Senior, forward

* The region’s best at his position, he made up for previous injury-marred seasons with 21 goals and a Marmonte League title.

* Coach of the Year

* David Hussey, El Camino Real

* Led the Conquistadores to their second consecutive Northwest Valley Conference title and second City final appearance in three years. The City champions were 21-4-2. Hussey’s record in six years at El Camino Real is 80-39-19.

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BOYS’ SOCCER ALL-REGION SECOND TEAM

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Name School Yr. Position Leo Benitez Harvard-Westlake Sr. Goalkeeper Jason Burbidge El Camino Real So. Defender Ryan Woods Westlake Sr. Defender Lorenzo Escanero Lancaster Sr. Defender Cause Hanna Newbury Park Sr. Midfielder Rolando Lira Santa Paula Sr. Midfielder Lindon Pecorelli Crescenta Valley Jr. Forward Jose Rivera-Otero El Camino Real Sr. Forward Sergio Renes Simi Valley Sr. Forward Ryan Shaw St. Francis So. Forward Oscar Sims Reseda Sr. Forward

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