Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Bears boys soccer team has officially closed the book on its 2025 season, finishing with a 7-9-1 record across 17 games. While the final win-loss tally fell just shy of a winning season, the Bears demonstrated notable growth, resilience, and standout individual performances that are worth celebrating.

Offensive Firepower Led by a Rising Star

Leading the Bears' offensive attack was none other than Jonathan Portillo (Jr.), who had a sensational season. Portillo lit up the scoreboard with 34 goals—more than half of the team's total 61—and added two assists, finishing the season with a whopping 70 total points, averaging 4.4 points per game. His nose for the goal and consistent ability to create scoring opportunities made him one of the most formidable attackers in the region.

Not far behind in offensive contribution was Kevin Mendoza (So.), who emerged as a dynamic dual threat. Mendoza netted 12 goals and delivered 10 assists, totaling 34 points and averaging 2.1 points per game. As a sophomore, Mendoza's breakout season points toward a bright future for the Bears' frontline.

Eliazar Cordona (Jr.) was another consistent contributor, scoring five goals and assisting on 4, totaling 14 points on the year. Cordona's ability to support both scoring and distribution roles added depth to the Bears' attacking options.

Also chipping in were:

• Reynaldo Paiz (So.) – 3 goals, three assists
• Carter West (Sr.) – 1 goal, four assists
• Jesus Franscisco (Sr.) – 1 goal, two assists

Defensive Grit & Goalkeeping Prowess

While the Bears allowed 49 goals, the team relied heavily on the firm and steady play of senior goalkeeper Landon Beatty (Sr.). Beatty was a wall in goal, tallying an impressive 149 saves across 15 games, averaging 9.9 saves per match. He also earned two complete-game shutouts, helping the Bears stay competitive in several tightly contested matches.

Supporting the goalkeeping role were:

• Enrique Perez (Jr.) – 25 saves, five goals allowed
• James Gomez (Jr.) – 2 saves, 1 goal allowed
• Jesus Franscisco (Sr.) – contributed two saves as well

The Season in Numbers

• Games Played: 17
• Goals Scored: 61
• Goals Allowed: 49
• Team Points: 147
• Shutouts: 2
• Stat Reports Filed: 16 out of 17

The team's offensive average of 3.5 goals per game was a testament to their attacking strategy. At the same time, the defensive unit, anchored by Beatty and a rotating back line, battled hard in every match.

Senior Leadership and Young Talent

This season marked the final run for several senior standouts, including Landon Beatty, Carter West, Jesus Franscisco, Eli Ellis, Kaiden Murphy, and Cameron Porter. These seniors brought leadership, passion, and competitive edge to the squad, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and determination.

At the same time, the contributions from underclassmen like Kevin Mendoza, Reynaldo Paiz, and Daniel Velasquez (So.) ensure the future remains bright for Butler County soccer.