Record file photo: Although he is not ready to take the field yet, Garfield’s Jorge Salas still is a team leader from the sidelines.
By ROBERT AITKEN JR.
STAFF WRITER | The Record
With two minutes left in last November’s Group 2 final, Garfield trailed by a goal. Forward Jorge Salas, heavily guarded in the game, was moved back toward the midfield. Salas watched as senior midfielder Wojciech Piwowarczyk scored two late goals, lifting the Boilermakers to their first state title.
This season will begin with Salas watching yet again, this time from the sidelines. Instead of a soccer cleat on his right foot, Salas is wearing a protective boot.
As the Boilermakers try to repeat their magic of last season, there is doubt about the status of Salas, their leading scorer with 27 goals, who broke his right leg this summer.
In mid-June, as the Boilermakers were beginning their preseason, Salas jumped in the air to defend a corner kick.
The senior came down hard on his right ankle, breaking his fibula near his ankle. Doctors told the soccer star that it would be 3-6 months before he could return to the pitch.
Salas, who began his rehab last week, believes he will return to the field for Garfield this season.
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