The Long Beach City College Men's soccer class was privileged enough to have California State University Dominguez Hills Head Coach Eddie Soto host a zoom with them recently. Coach Soto went over different topics, such as focusing on academics and mental aspects. In addition, he talked about what he feels it takes to be successful on the field, and what he looks for in a player. CSUDH currently has three former LBCC players on their roster, Alex Moreno, Steven Espinoza, and Alfredo Garcia.

Coach Soto told his story to the athletes of being from a youth club member to becoming national team player, going to the Division I college final four with California State University Fullerton, being selected for the Major League Soccer, and then his college-coaching career which started as an women's soccer assistant coach at Long Beach City College.

Education was a large focus point of the meeting. He told the Vikings that you need to focus on school, your student success, as well as to embrace academics. He also stressed time management for their academics, athletics, and mental well-being. In addition, he reminded them that they are student-athletes and that they need to take the student part seriously.

When going over the game of soccer, he first stated how the biggest difference when moving up levels of competition is the speed of play. When looking for a player, he likes players who are offensive minded, technical players, ball possession, and athletic as well. He also wants players who have self-motivation, discipline, sacrifice, and commit to the game and team. He also told the Vikings that he wants players who train as you play in a game.

"I have known Coach Soto since his youth playing days with the club I coached with NHB," stated LBCC Head Coach Cameron Beaulac. "I am grateful that he would take this time to talk with the athletes. I truly appreciated how he had a large emphasis on academics, as well as told the boys what he looks for in a player. Being able to listen to one of the top college coaches in the Western United States is a true honor. The fact that we currently have three former Vikings at his school is a testament to the hard work they put in the classroom and on the field, as well as how the LBCC program helps prepare players for the next level."