Rosewood’s Abril, Maldonado make history in East-West All-Star Game
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GREENSBORO — Rosewood High has never sent anyone to the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game before Tuesday when eighth-year head coach Eddie Maldonado, led the East All-Stars while alumnus Geovanni Abril was on the field.
The coach and player being on the sideline together for this moment almost didn’t happen, though.
“Phil Weaver called me like three times and I didn’t answer because it was a Greensboro number — and I don’t know anybody from Greensboro,” Maldonado said. “But it was a pleasure and honor to do this.”
The East lost 1-0, but Abril was glad he was invited to the event after a senior season that earned him NCSCA 1-A All-State.
“You don’t usually get to play against players this good and honestly I just really enjoyed it,” Abril said. “It was fun. It’s a lot faster, the kids play harder and it’s not the same (as a regular game).”
Maldonado said Abril earned this opportunity after being a player they could count on the last few years. Abril scored 31 goals and nine assists last season. Abril said he was happy he got to play for coach “Maldy” one more time. Maldonado coaches the boys and girls soccer team at Rosewood to compile a combined 175-91-9 record in eight years.
