Contrera Standing Tall on Grizzlies’ Pitch

When the stage is a soccer pitch and there are 22 performers all working to create the perfect script for their respective casts, the storyline ends with the ball flying into the opposing goal.

That conclusion can be nothing short of delightful art.

And one cast member has stood in the spotlight during his two seasons with the Georgia Gwinnett College men’s soccer team: 2024 NAIA All-American forward Alejandro Contrera.

The sophomore from Asunción, Paraguay, had a team-high 10 goals, four of them being match winners, and five assists last fall in being named the Continental Athletic Conference Player of the Year and earning the league’s top newcomer award. 

Contrera has also stood tall, at 6-foot-2, for the Grizzlies this season, scoring three goals out of 12 shots in the team’s first three matches, including two against Brescia University (Kentucky) to close out the season-opening Dalton State Classic.

“When it comes down to scoring a goal, it depends on where you’re positioned and being aware of your surroundings,” says Contrera. “You’re looking to see if there’s a defender behind you or anticipating where the play is headed. That puts you in a position to capitalize on a (scoring) opportunity.” 

That unique ability to read the game and place himself in the correct position has created scoring opportunities for GGC, which has outscored its first four opponents by a 12-4 margin to posting a 3-1-0 record and elevating to No. 22 in the first NAIA Top 25 poll of the regular season. (FYI: The team also scored four goals midway through last Saturday’s match at Columbia International University (South Carolina) before inclement weather cancelled the encounter.)

Regarding Contrera’s play, GGC Head Coach Steve DeCou says, “He can create chances (for other players) and finish those chances that come his own way. He’s a physical presence that other teams must account for.”

Contrera’s passion for soccer came at 8 years old from his older brother and father, who suggested that the youngster start playing as a forward. His skills were developed while playing for Club Sol de America and other club teams in Paraguay.

Now, Georgia Gwinnett College has given him a different stage to demonstrate his drive, passion, and goal scoring abilities. And he knows that a goal is the result of a team effort, with a pass, a play, and then the kick that pushes the ball into the opposing net. It also takes trust and communication between teammates, all established in practice.

Although the physical aspects of the sport are important, strong performances also rely heavily on the mentality and mindset each team member brings to the pitch.

“As a forward, you can be the hero or the villain of the match. If you miss (scoring a goal), you’ll be the villain of the story. And sometimes I feel that pressure, but I try to remain positive. If I miss, I miss, but I still tried,” Contrera says.

Contrera’s leadership abilities earned him recognition as a captain for this season. 

“As a leader [Contrera] has been exceptionally encouraging. He leads from a place of love,” states DeCou.

From Contrera’s perspective he states, “I try to lead by example. I try to let my actions speak for themselves. I try to be the first one to go for the ball, and no matter what happens in the match, I don’t let it affect me, I just keep playing.”

While the 2024 season for the Grizzlies went well, making their 10th appearance at the NAIA national appearance, recording 50 goals and posting an 11-7-2 record, Contrera and his teammates look to have an even better season this fall, which is off to a successful start by winning three of the first four matches.