CAPTAIN EL SALVADOR

The Hoosier state is being well represented in World Cup Qualification. We had previously commented on Paul Nevin’s (former Evansville standout) rise to prominence off the field as an assistant coach with England. But did you know one of our most decorated youth players is not only representing but leading the El Salvadorian back line in their quest for World Cup qualification. The 24-year-old from Westfield,IN , is following his roots where father Carlos represented the Central American country currently ranked 114th in the world. Carlos has been a prominent fixture in the local soccer community, coaching for Carmel United, Indiana Fire, FC Pride and running ISA Futsal. Eriq Zavaleta was part of U.S. Soccer’s under-17 residency program and played in the 2009 U-17 World Cup. He was also part of the American under-20 team pool before playing collegiately at IU and winning a national championship in 2012. He may have changed allegiances but you can’t take the Hoosier out the boy. We wish Eriq all the best in their qualification to Qatar 2022.