BOYS' SOCCER PLAYOFFS: MAKING IMMEDIATE IMPACT : SAUGUS SOPHOMORES REYNOSO, LOPEZ EMERGE AS BIG CONTRIBUTORS.

Byline: Brian Dalziel Daily News Staff Writer

Being sophomores and playing varsity soccer was a bit overwhelming at first for Saugus' Carlos Reynoso and Steven Lopez.

``The games are more physical and the competition is a lot faster,'' Lopez said. ``And in practice I noticed it was a lot more serious. On JV, you didn't concentrate as much. It's almost like playing grown-ups out there.''

Said Reynoso, ``It is more physical and more demanding and you just have to be focused.''

It was slightly rough in the beginning for Lopez and Reynoso when coach Nate Wright called the two over to practice with the varsity during the opening week of the season.

Sure, they were knocked to the ground by the older players and tackled at a much harder pace then they were used to.

But for Lopez, 16, and Reynoso, 15, being the only sophomores on a senior-dominated squad hasn't hampered their ability to contribute to the team's success this season.

Lopez, who plays right midfielder, has started in all but one game for the 9-7-6 Centurions (he missed a game due to the flu). He has three goals and two assists.

Reynoso, who has started every game at sweeper, helped Saugus become one of the best defenses in the Foothill League as the Centurions allowed just 10 goals in 10 games and recorded six shutouts.

Wright hopes the sophomore sensations can keep up their intensity Saturday when the Centurions travel to San Marcos for the opening round of the Southern Section Division II playoffs.

``You could see both of them as the season went on, their maturity level rise,'' Wright said. ``I told them that the playoff experience is going to make them that much stronger.

``Carlos has stepped up and taken the leadership role of the defense and taken charge. Steven has contributed with his playmaking effort. He's a good passer and reads the game well.''

Making the varsity squad came as a surprise to Lopez and Reynoso.

The two spent their entire freshman seasons on junior varsity. But in the final game of the regular season, Wright brought Reynoso up to varsity.

For Lopez, his season was over.

Reynoso played in that season finale, but his performance wasn't something he'd like to remember.

``I was a couple inches smaller then,'' said Reynoso, who is now 5-foot-9. ``I was shoved all around more than everyone else on the field.''

When the season ended a year ago, Lopez and Reynoso had visions of playing varsity the next season.

To prepare, Lopez started playing with his club team's under-18 squad. Reynoso began weight training and running.

The hard work ended up paying off.

``I felt I was lucky (to make varsity),'' Lopez said with a laugh. ``Playing on the under-18 team helped me a lot.''

``I thought I had a good chance to make varsity but wasn't sure,'' Reynoso said. ``So I had to run and lift and build up my stamina.''

By playing varsity at a young age, these two know the future certainly looks bright for both of them.

``This is a great experience,'' Lopez said. ``We get experience being this young, and by the time we're seniors we'll be able to lead this team.''

``I really like playing with the higher level of play, because the intensity is higher,'' Reynoso said. ``This will just help us in the long run.''

And at the same time help Saugus.

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PHOTO (Color) Sweeper Carlos Reynoso, left, and right midfielder Steven Lopez are Saugus team's only sophomores.

Tom Mendoza/Daily News