Fresno is full of young soccer talent, with very little opportunity for growth in the sport. CV Fuego FC, recently bought by FC’s Ruelas family, allows athletes the opportunity to pursue professional soccer goals.

Soccer runs deep in the blood of the Ruelas family, including Antonio Ruelas, ‘23, the youngest child.

“Soccer has been a big part of my family, we all played,” Ruelas said. “For example, I’ve played for club and soccer. All my brothers played, especially my brother Angel, who’s pursuing to play professionally.” 

Alum Angel Ruelas is just one example of Central Valley youth who seek a career in professional soccer.

“There are a lot of young soccer players who want to pursue soccer professionally,” Antonio Ruelas said. “In Fresno there wasn’t really that opportunity. Now this gives them that opportunity.”

Forming a soccer team can be a grueling process, involving many people and business hours just to get started.

“There are all sorts of meetings that happen with the people who are inside and outside of the soccer world,” Ruelas said, “Because you need to handle the business aspect.” 

Modesto-born former Cal Poly player, Neil Boyal, shares his excitement for the opportunity to play. 

“I was given an opportunity, and it was the best opportunity I could have found,” Boyal said. “It’s close to my school so I can do both. We have a good team, and I am capable of competing for a spot to get minutes.”

Playing at the professional level can be tricky and stressful for some. Players have sole responsibility of doing what is expected of them, both in soccer and personal lives. 

“I studied engineering at Cal Poly,” Boyal said. “As I mentioned I’m still finishing up schooling while I’m playing. In college you’re working around your school schedule. Here they don’t make time for both so I have to make time.”

Competition is vastly different at a professional level. Players not only need to be highly skilled, but also intuitive and attuned to the sport. 

“To join a professional team you have to be intellectual,” Boyal said. “I would say in college soccer it’s more than just athleticism, and you can tell the difference in skill level with some guys. At the professional level everyone is more consistent and it gets more technical.”

Crowds roar, banging drums for players on the field, making the atmosphere all the better for everyone.

“It’s great it’s always been great to play in front of the fans,” left midfield Diego Casillas said. “I’ve been here for a few years and it’s just getting better and better.”

Games are held at Fresno State. As the fanbase grows, the season expands, expecting to end late September, with playoffs scheduled to begin October. 25 total games will be played.

The team is a part of USL League 1. Teams that finish in one of the top spots in the league table will make the playoffs. After playoffs are over, the teams remaining continue to play single elimination games.

The season began on April 2, against Greenville. The team traveled to South Carolina, winning the game 2-0. Be sure to go out to a game and support CV Fuego!

Click here to see the team’s full schedule.

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