This week's Pioneer Spotlight shines on Eugenio Perez-Vera Merino from Cal State East Bay men's soccer. With over 1,200 minutes on the pitch this season, Perez-Vera Merino has started all 14 matches in his first season with the Pioneers. He has scored two goals on the season as the Pioneers make one last chase for a spot in the CCAA Tournament with three regular season matches remaining.
 
Eugenio is a junior defender from Leon, Spain who transferred to East Bay from Iowa Lakes Community College, where he was the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Division II Junior College Player of the Year.
 
A passion for soccer is rooted back to Spain for Eugenio and reaches to Hayward. "Being a Cal State East Bay Pioneer means bringing my Spanish roots and love for soccer to a diverse community, growing together with teammates, and embodying resilience and teamwork on and off the field."
 
And off the field, he wants to take his passion for soccer further in the near and distant future. "My short-term goals are to improve my skills, keep good grades, and support my team. Long-term, I want to graduate, grow as an athlete, and build a career connected to sports."  
 
"I see myself becoming a professional soccer player, staying active and passionate about the sport I love, and making a positive impact while being supported by friends and family."