SEVEN SPRINGS — Spring Creek’s leader and a highly-decorated player recently earned postseason recognition from the NC Soccer Association during its annual meeting.
Miguel Torres was named the NCSCA Region 2 Coach of the Year.
Ozias “Z” Ntumba Miteu received a nod on the NCSCA All-State squad.
Torres has guided the Gators to three consecutive Neuse River 2A regular-season championships. During that span, his teams have compiled a phenomenal 29-1-0 mark in regular-season league play.
“I would like to thank the NCSCA, my school administration, my family and lastly every single player that is on our team,” Torres said. “They go out and execute my vision game after game, season after season. It is not easy to play ‘Gator Style’ soccer, but they give me their best practice after practice, game after game [and] season after season.
“That is something I will be eternally grateful for.”
A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Miteu drew the attention of opposing coaches all season. On occasion, the senior played in the defensive third, but flourished in the midfield where he distributed the ball and attacked the goal.
Miteu emerged as the team leader this season in goals scored (26), assists (12) and total points (64). He recorded four hat tricks and punched in a career-high five goals against Neuse Six foe Beddingfield — fittingly on senior night.
“Ozias has been chipping away at this award since he first walked into our summer workouts in 2021,” Torres said. “He works extremely hard in practice. He enjoys practice and always brings a level of intensity that is satisfying to a coach. During our team meetings, he was not afraid of saying he was going after this goal.
“He had full confidence in himself that he could achieve it.”
An all-Neuse Six 2A performer, Miteu helped guide Spring Creek to a 47-17-4 record on the pitch during his career. The Gators made three playoff appearances and advanced to the eastern semifinals in two seasons ago.
“I know he’s happy, but he wants more,” Torres said. “I know he will continue doing what he loves at the next level. This season, he was the pillar for us and it reflects by him being recognized with this prestigious award. I will miss him next season.”
