Reporter

After leading the CSU Bakersfield’s men’s soccer team last year in goals (12) and points (26), forward Julian Zamora is working on having another great campaign in 2015.

Zamora, who is a Golden Valley graduate, sat out his freshman year as he redshirted the 2013 season. Zamora credited a part of his excellent play by being able to get some visual experience in the 2013 season.

“I would train by myself,” said Zamora.

He was unable to partake in any of the team’s activities but that didn’t stop him from working on his game, and it ultimately paid off due to his performance last season.

He played in leagues outside of CSUB and got a lot of playing time there. Zamora also earned Western Athletic Conference Freshman Player of the Year and First Team All-WAC awards for his play in his first season playing at CSUB.

“I didn’t know it was an award,” said Zamora when he heard he had won Freshman Player of they Year and First Team All-Conference.

After finding out he was acknowledged for his performance with the awards, he was very pleased and excited. Zamora also had two assists last season and led the Roadrunners in game-winning goals with three.

He also led the team in shot percentage (.273) and in shot on goal percentage (.591).

Zamora wasn’t one to shine off the good-relations with his teammates that help him with his play on the field.

He acknowledged that they all push each other to do better and work with each other.

“He won’t leave someone behind,” said CSUB’s sophomore forward Marshall Garcia. “He stepped up to the plate and delivered.”

Zamora’s talent and good relationships with his team does not go unseen by his fellow teammates and their expectations for him this year is to perform just as well as he did last season if better.

Coach Richie Grant is in his second year as head coach for the men’s soccer team and said Zamora was a big contributor for the Roadrunners, especially in the crucial moments.

“He benefited a lot from the chances that were created,” said Grant. “[The] goal is to score a goal per game.”

The CSUB men’s soccer team (1-2-2) is in its sixth game now with Zamora yet to score one goal this season but don’t count him out so soon and expect him to step his game up in league play later on in the season.

Grant also added that Zamora knows he has the ability to score a goal a game and that he is not good by accident.

“He’s always shooting extra balls (after practice),” said coach Grant.