Capital Christian Soccer's Murray Strong in Goal

senior Johnny Murray faced a difficult decision earlier this year: stay with the Cougars varsity team or join the California Development Academy, which is affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation.

Murray, the team captain and starting goalkeeper, decided to stay with CCHS, saying that he didn’t feel that it was of good integrity to leave his high school team with only five weeks remaining. He had made his commitment based on the academy telling him in August that it was acceptable to play for both the high school and academy.

Capital Christian honored Murray's decision on Oct. 20 by having him wear the traditional home white jersey. The players on the field wore the neon jersey that he wore in a 13-2 win for the Cougars (16-0-3) over Mesa Verde of Citrus Heights. Murray even scored a goal.

"I was absolutely surprised and shocked they honored me... I always wanted to wear that (white) jersey," Murray said. "It was a real tough decision (to stay). Being the captain, these are my friends and I couldn't leave them."

Because Murray stayed, the Cougars have yet to lose a game this season. The team is ranked No. 6 in California and No. 23 nationally, Murray said.

"In a team environment, leadership is important on and off the field," said Capital Christian coach and school principal Ab Alvarez. "The team is a band of brothers and, with a bunch of leaders, Johnny is well respected."

Murray said the team's highlight so far this season was the Capital Challenge Cup on Sept. 9 when the Cougars beat Bella Vista of Fair Oaks 2-0. A crowd of about 4,000 saw that game and a 3-2 win by of Carmichael over Granite Bay.

Murray said he likes Capital Christian's small size.

"You know everybody but they're not all up in your business," he said. "The teachers care about you succeeding."

Murray said his favorite subject is math and that he may participate in the school's musical.

Murray said he will play at San Diego in the fall, where he plans to major in either pre-medicine, business or engineering.

"It's a great location with outstanding academics," he said. "They're nationally ranked and the coaches are great."

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