Daniel Ochoa's senior year at Central Valley High School lasted just three days.
Ochoa moved to Rancho Cucamonga on Aug. 14 to train with the Chivas USA Youth Soccer Academy's 18-and-under reserve team at Bell Gardens.
"It's pretty sad I'm not going to finish high school here," Ochoa said. "But it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My parents, friends and teammates are happy for me. I'm going to try my best."
Daniel was invited to the Academy after impressing coaches during a tryout on July 23 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Six other players in his age group were also selected.
"I gave it my all when I was out there," Ochoa said. "I played smart and tried not to hog the ball a lot. I played with a lot of discipline."
Daniel will finish high school in the Los-Angeles area while training at the Academy. Practices will be held after school.
Ochoa starred on Central Valley's varsity team for three seasons.
"I've grown up so much," he said. "I wanted to be a better leader."
Daniel totaled 50 goals and 22 assists while leading the Hawks to three league titles, three playoffs berths and two section finals appearances.
He scored 26 goals and dished out 14 assists, both school records, his junior year.
Ochoa earned all-conference honors every season, including first-team accolades twice and second-team recognition once.
"I'm going to miss my teammates and coach," Daniel said. "I want the best for them. I know they can do it (win) without me. Central Valley has a lot of talent. He (Omar Leon) is an inspirational coach. He's been like an older brother to me."
Ochoa started playing soccer at the age of 11. He spent five seasons with the Ceres Earthquakes and one with the Stockton Monarchs. Ochoa had a memorable first season in the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization's recreational league in 2004. His team went undefeated.
"It will be hard to find a replacement for him," Leon said. "The rest of the players look up to him. He motivates everyone. I think he has the talent to play at the next level. It doesn't just happen to anybody. You have to work hard."
Added Ochoa: "I have to chase my dream."
Daniel wants to play professional soccer.
If he has a successful run at the Academy, he'll move several steps closer to achieving his ultimate goal.
Ochoa moved to Rancho Cucamonga on Aug. 14 to train with the Chivas USA Youth Soccer Academy's 18-and-under reserve team at Bell Gardens.
"It's pretty sad I'm not going to finish high school here," Ochoa said. "But it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My parents, friends and teammates are happy for me. I'm going to try my best."
Daniel was invited to the Academy after impressing coaches during a tryout on July 23 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Six other players in his age group were also selected.
"I gave it my all when I was out there," Ochoa said. "I played smart and tried not to hog the ball a lot. I played with a lot of discipline."
Daniel will finish high school in the Los-Angeles area while training at the Academy. Practices will be held after school.
Ochoa starred on Central Valley's varsity team for three seasons.
"I've grown up so much," he said. "I wanted to be a better leader."
Daniel totaled 50 goals and 22 assists while leading the Hawks to three league titles, three playoffs berths and two section finals appearances.
He scored 26 goals and dished out 14 assists, both school records, his junior year.
Ochoa earned all-conference honors every season, including first-team accolades twice and second-team recognition once.
"I'm going to miss my teammates and coach," Daniel said. "I want the best for them. I know they can do it (win) without me. Central Valley has a lot of talent. He (Omar Leon) is an inspirational coach. He's been like an older brother to me."
Ochoa started playing soccer at the age of 11. He spent five seasons with the Ceres Earthquakes and one with the Stockton Monarchs. Ochoa had a memorable first season in the Ceres Youth Soccer Organization's recreational league in 2004. His team went undefeated.
"It will be hard to find a replacement for him," Leon said. "The rest of the players look up to him. He motivates everyone. I think he has the talent to play at the next level. It doesn't just happen to anybody. You have to work hard."
Added Ochoa: "I have to chase my dream."
Daniel wants to play professional soccer.
If he has a successful run at the Academy, he'll move several steps closer to achieving his ultimate goal.
