On a team where every opponent knew he was the only true scoring option, Ricardo Tovar Herrera thrived regardless, keeping Mt. Pleasant competitive against a rugged schedule.

The sophomore standout tallied 18 goals to go with three assists this season, despite being the center of attention of every defense, and not having any other teammate score more than four goals. In fact, during the Cardinals’ final victory of the season, a 3-1 win over Lincoln in the penultimate game on the schedule, Tovar Herrera scored one goal and assisted on the two others, always having a foot in the outcome.

For the season, Mt. Pleasant tallied just 32 goals as a team, and Tovar Herrera had a direct role in 21 of those goals. The 18 goals scored matched his freshman season, but that was with more teammates who also scored at a high rate. In a 2-1 win against Overfelt, Tovar Herrera scored both goals. The BVAL-Mt. Hamilton Sophomore of the Year also scored all three goals in a 3-0 win over San Jose and both goals in a 2-2 draw with Andrew Hill. He also scored goals in both match-ups with Branham, a team which shutout two straight opponents in the Open Division playoffs.

For his career, Tovar Herrera now has 36 goals and 17 assists, all while playing in an ‘A’ league which has produced top teams in the section on an annual basis.

For his efforts throughout this season, we are pleased to recognize Ricardo Tovar Herrera as the Prep2Prep CCS Sophomore of the Year.

Other players considered include Mitty’s Noah Robertson, Los Gatos’ Jacob Simons, Live Oak’s Caleb Ojeda and Watsonville’s Jeal Leal.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS soccer.