MASL Spotlight: Atletico Baja Prepares to Kick Off MASL Season
As the 2016/17 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) season prepares to kick off, we take a look at Atletico Baja based out of Tijuana, MX – a club that is sure to make headlines in the upcoming season.
Baja finished second in its division last year, but fell to the Brownsville Barracudas in the Southwest Division Semifinals.
Diane Scavuzzo’s SoccerToday spoke with head coach Rene Ortiz on his expectations for the season
Diane Scavuzzo: When did you start at Atletico Baja?
Rene Ortiz: When the club started last year, they invited me to be the coach, So we — Victor Melendez-Crusaders Soccer Club, Jesus Burgos -Xolos Tijuana and Salvador Manzo- Crusaders Soccer club — started tryouts Sep 2015 in Tijuana.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you identify talent? Scout for players?
Rene Ortiz: Most of the top local players have represented Baja on state teams and several have played professionally in Mexico’s Second division. Some of our players have been on high level Academy teams.
As a coach, you are always looking for players.
I am always scouting at local leagues, between the leagues, in San Diego, everywhere I go — Amateur leagues, 7 a side soccer leagues, everywhere there is a soccer field, I am looking!
Diane Scavuzzo: How many players are on your roster and are they all from Mexico?
Rene Ortiz: The team is designed for local Baja players.
Our budget does not put us in a position to bring out players. I have received many emails from Brazil, Argentina, East Coast, Africa, and other country with players that want to come and play — but right now, Atletico does not have the infrastructure to house any out of town players.
We have 20 players on the roster — two are from San Diego, one is from Ensenada and the rest from Tijuana.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who are your Players To Watch?
Rene Ortiz: Cristian Gutierrez is an very complete players, on both ends of the field. Gutierrez has also played for me in the Mexican Indoor National team. He was our second leading scored last year and played several games as a defender.
Danny Villela is also fun to watch. very skillful and excellent ball control.
Diane Scavuzzo: At the San Diego Sockers press conference, team captain Kraig Chiles referred to your team, Atletico Baja, as one to watch out for. How do you think your team will do this season?
Rene Ortiz: This is a very nice complement from Chiles — he is a class act and one of the best indoor players around. I hope to be on the top 2 teams in our division. However, it is a tough division, with Dallas, Sonora, El paso and us.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your predictions for Baja?
Rene Ortiz: I hope that as a second year team, with mostly local and Mexican players, we make it to the playoffs.
There is a lot of good talent in the area, so this is a great opportunity for all to showcase our abilities in the best indoor league in the world.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your toughest competition?
Rene Ortiz: All teams are excellent, However; Baltimore, Ontario, Missouri, Chicago and Milwaukee are on the top, and display a high quality game.
In addition, Phil Salvagio is doing a great job in bringing back the San Diego Sockers’ reputation. In our division, Sonora, who lost the finals versus Baltimore in OT last year, is the team to beat.
Diane Scavuzzo: What makes Atletico Baja better or different?
Rene Ortiz: Our local players — we all are from the area, so identity and pride in representing our town is something that will help us fight and compete.
Diane Scavuzzo: Why the MASL?
Rene Ortiz: MASL is the best indoor league with the best teams, coaches and players.
We want to compete and measure our-selfs against the best. We are not interested in competing otherwise.
Diane Scavuzzo: Good luck opening weekend!
