Javier Zarate Guides Garfield High to the State Soccer Championship Game
Freshman Athlete Chooses Academic Focus Before Thrilling Soccer Comeback
Garfield High School freshman Javier Zarate made a significant decision last year, opting to abandon club soccer to prioritize his academic goals. At just 15 years old, Zarate’s commitment to achieving straight A’s ultimately shaped his path.
Recognizing Zarate’s talent as a highly regarded goalie, Garfield soccer coach Pablo Serrano began a campaign to persuade him to try out for the Bulldogs’ team last spring. “He told me if I wanted to give it a shot, I could try out,” Zarate recalled. “They were very welcoming and nice.”
Zarate’s return to soccer quickly became a noteworthy chapter in Garfield’s sports history. He played a pivotal role in securing a victory in the City Section Division II championship against Canoga Park, where he saved three penalty kicks. More recently, he contributed to the Bulldogs’ 1-0 triumph against Bakersfield Taft in the Southern California Division V regional final.
In an impressive turn of events, Garfield is set to compete in the CIF state soccer championships in Sacramento this week, facing Branford on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Natomas High. “I’m super pumped up,” Zarate expressed.
The Bulldogs are expected to draw alumni from the area, many of whom are known to travel to support their team, especially against rival Roosevelt. Coach Serrano affirmed this sentiment, stating, “I know some will make the drive.”
This season in City Section soccer has been tumultuous, marked by the disqualification of six schools for using ineligible players—specifically those who participated in both high school and club teams, violating CIF bylaw 600. Serrano emphasizes the importance of understanding these rules, noting, “There’s a lot of soccer going on in this community,” and stresses that players must adhere to the regulations about club participation.
Zarate, standing at 5-foot-6, did not play soccer last year while focusing on his academics and engaging in the school’s ROTC program. With a weighted GPA of 4.4, he aims to become a firefighter. “My family motivated me to be academically focused, and I found a balance to do both,” he explained about his decision to return to soccer.
Despite the common perception that goalkeepers are typically taller, Zarate has learned to compensate for his height. “I get that a lot that I’m very short for a goalie,” he said, recalling advice from a trainer who told him, “As long as you can master being able to dive and jump high, you should be as good as them.”
Garfield finished fourth in the Eastern League, standing behind City Section soccer powerhouses South East and Marquez, both of whom faced elimination due to ineligible players. With newfound momentum heading into the playoffs, the Bulldogs, led by junior Noe Marmolejo as the primary goal scorer, seized the opportunity to shine.
The team will travel by bus to Sacramento on Friday, with plans to stay overnight and return shortly after their game on Saturday. Given the Boyle Heights community’s loyalty, a strong showing of support is anticipated both in Sacramento and upon the team’s return home. "It’s an honor," Coach Serrano noted, reflecting on the significance of being the first City team to compete for a state soccer title.
