SJC student joins the El Salvador National Soccer Team

Jeannie Peng-Armao - 2/19/2010Edgar Alvarez

HOUSTON –San Jacinto College (SJC) student Edgar Alvarez makes his debut this year on the El Salvador National Soccer Team.

The 23-year-old Houston native will join his brother on the team, famed professional soccer player Arturo Alvarez, who is also a member of the San José Earthquakes.

Edgar Alvarez played on the San Jac soccer team in 2006 and 2007.He also played for Texas Premier FC and the Austin Aztex U23. Alvarezattributes his success to the advice received from SJC coach Dr. David Santesteban.

"Coach Santesteban is my mentor; he helped me develop into becoming a better player," Alvarez said, who plans to continue his college education in between games. "At San Jac, I learned how to spend my time, when to play and when to study."

Santesteban said he is looking forward to watching the young player rise up in the world of professional soccer.

"He's a player who is strong on the field with his attacks - he's quick and electric," said Santesteban. "I'm very proud of him and hope to see more success like this from our students here at San Jac."

The SJC team has graduated more than a dozen players on to national soccer teams.

Alvarez will play his first game with the El Salvador team against the U.S. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Tampa, Fla. From there, he'll travel to Los Angeles for further training.

For more information about San Jacinto College men’s soccer, please visit www.sanjacsports.com.

San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in more than 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.