Franchesco Linares is a junior and the goalkeeper of the South Windsor High School varsity soccer team. Ever since his freshman year, Fran has been a strong keeper on varsity with hyper reflexes and a commanding voice, helping cement his position as one of the team’s three captains.
Fran constantly keeps an optimistic attitude and supports all of his teammates. He wears jersey number 1 as the foundation of the team. He is known for his impressive saves and is respected as a leader of the team. He is consistently vocal and reliable in aiding his defenders in keeping possession of the ball. Being able to pass the ball around the defensive line and can consistently ping the ball across the field to his midfielders if need be.
“He controls the team from a centralized location, even from the back he communicates with the entire team,” senior Bailey Baker said.
In an interview he said that he hopes to play Division II soccer in college and spends his free time hanging out with friends on and off the pitch.
His dad inspired him at a young age to play soccer and he has always looked up to him growing up.
“I knew that Fran was passionate about soccer from a very young age, as he was always with a ball,” Fran’s mom Sheyli Linares, said. “He played different positions leading him to try playing as a goalkeeper. I noticed he had a natural talent for the position, so we bought him his first pair of goalkeeper gloves, and from that day on, he began his journey as a goalkeeper.”
He trained hard during the off season and has kicked off the season with a strong start. He and junior Eeshan Dey conceding only 5 goals in the 7 games they have played so far this season. There is no doubt that he will be a strong pillar of the team during his time here.
“He is a strong and supportive leader on and off the field,” senior Junior Heredia said.
Unfortunately, in a match against East Catholic on Monday, September 22nd, during an attempt to save the ball, Fran’s arm was caught in the net, tearing ligaments in his arm and taking him out for the rest of the season.
Great things are expected from Franchesco as he prepares for his senior season. After a smooth and fast recovery he will be ready to bounce back as an impenetrable force as the keeper of South Windsor.
