Pieces Falling in Place for Fallbrook

FALLBROOK ---- In its current format, the Fallbrook High boys soccer team is among the county's best. The Warriors own a dominant scorer in Daniel Barbosa, a skilled defender in Isaias Melo, and one of San Diego's best goalkeeper in Ryan Plackemeier. The best part, though, coach Waad Hirmez says, is what the Warriors still lack: Several of their impact players. Wednesday's 3-0 defeat of visiting Carlsbad kept Fallbrook undefeated at home and moved the Warriors into sole possession of first place in the Avocado League standings. And things are about to improve. Fallbrook (10-2-2 overall, 2-0-1 league) battled injuries and academic troubles early in the season, which forced several players to shift positions. Senior Oscar Ramos moved from midfielder to forward and has teamed nicely with Barbosa. Ramos, who plays stopper for Hirmez's club team, scored two goals against Carlsbad (8-5-1, 1-2). On Wednesday, midfielder Francisco Cabrera returned from a season-long ankle injury, and center forward David Soto told Hirmez he'll regain his eligibility next week. Soto and Barbosa have teamed well together in the past, as have Ramos and Cabrera in the midfield. "I don't have the whole puzzle complete yet, but it's coming along," Hirmez said. "What's nice is, as we're putting it together we're winning." The Warriors surprisingly reached the CIF Division I championship game last winter, but a return to that level would surprise few. Fallbrook has won each of its home games this winter by at least three goals, and, in three league contests, the Warriors have outscored their opponents 9-2. Barbosa assisted both of Ramos' goals Wednesday, while midfielder Alex Casarez added Fallbrook's third goal with an assist from Cristobal Rangel. "They've been pretty dedicated and I think we're going to make a pretty good run at it this year," Hirmez said. "We're more prepared for it this year. (The players) know what to expect and we have more leaders." Carlsbad did not manage a shot on goal against Plackemeier, who's still working himself into soccer shape after serving as placekicker, punter and linebacker for Fallbrook's football team until early December. That's crucial for a player known for charging far from the goal to pursue a loose ball. 1/24/02