LYNN — Former Lynn Tech soccer star Armando Jimenez has always dreamed of playing the sport on a professional level.
Jimenez, who starred as a forward for the Tigers boys varsity team for three seasons, kept that dream in the back of his mind throughout his high school career. Now it’s time for Jimenez to make his professional dream a reality.
Jimenez, who graduated from Tech this past spring, is preparing to chase a spot on a semi-professional team in Mexico. He acknowledged the opportunity as one that he’s always held high on his list of goals.
“To be honest, it’s what I’ve always wanted to go for,” Jimenez said. “I’m grateful. Hopefully it comes true but if it doesn’t I’m really grateful for everything I’ve accomplished. I’m really thankful for all the coaches I’ve had because they’ve taught me a lot. My family has always pushed me to accomplish this goal.”
In his days as a Tiger, Jimenez played under the tutelage of coach Jeremy McKeen. A firsthand witness to Jimenez’s high school soccer career, McKeen’s confident that his former star forward will be able to flourish in Mexico with proper coaching.
“I think he’ll do great,” McKeen said. “As long as he has the right coaches and the right program, his dedication and his love for the sport will take him as far as an excellent program can take him. I can see him blossoming as a player. Soccer’s his trade and he’s following his passion. With the right teachers and coaches, he’ll be the best in his trade.”
Jimenez, born in Mexico, shared a similar feeling of confidence. His feeling is that the tutelage he’s been given has served to prepare him for the level of competition he’ll see in Mexico.
“It definitely has prepared me,” Jimenez said. “All the training I’ve endured through all my coaches has helped build me into the player that I am now. Anyone knows the basics, like how to stop a ball. To be able to play on a great team that went to the state tournament last season, that helped me learn how to communicate on a team.”
In his search for a role on the professional soccer stage, Jimenez has tried out for various high-level programs including Lynn United and the New England Revolution U-19 team. From those experiences, Jimenez has learned the differences between the level of play in high school soccer and that of higher levels.
“In high school you have a little more freedom with the ball and think about how you’re going to play,” Jimenez said. “In semi-pro you have to focus on the one-touch passes and look for your teammates. It’s a lot faster. The training is much different because you have to have great speed, conditioning, and that one-touch ability.”
McKeen noted that the improvements Jimenez made, particularly in his footwork, will allow him to make a proper adjustment to level of play in Mexico. In his days wearing the Tech uniform, Jimenez made it a priority to improve his communication and footwork skills, and the efforts paid off.
“He went from better to best and he really improved on controlling the midfield,” McKeen said. “His footwork got much better, his communication on the field opened up. He went from a mid-level player to a great player for us on the field.”
Jimenez, who captained the Tigers in his senior season, isn’t the only Tech player who’ll travel overseas in hopes of continuing his soccer career. Isaac Perez, who starred at goalie for Tech, will chase his professional soccer dream in Spain. Perez leaves for Spain at the end of the month while Jimenez departs for his tryout in November.
“Armando and Isaac are perfect examples of kids in Lynn that come to Lynn Tech and join our program,” McKeen said. “They’re perfect examples of kids who have a passion for sports and learn a trade at Tech. With great passion and ability, this is what happens. This is a great example of the doors that can open through Tech.”
“Armando is one of those born-and-bred to play soccer kids,” McKeen added. “He played for club teams in Mexico and I’m excited for him. He’s a top-notch player. I loved having him on the team and I couldn’t be prouder. He’s adding to that Lynn Tech legacy of great soccer players.”
