Vanguard University

The athlete: Erick enters the collegiate game with the Lions after a strong high school career…was a First-Team All-League selection for Jurupa Valley High School in 2002-03…graduated from Rancho Cucamonga High School where he was a two-time All-League player in the Mount Baldy League…graduated in 2005…voted team’s Most Talented Player…has 11 years of club soccer experience…has played the game since he was six years old…can play the forward or midfield positions…good soccer skills…has speed and aggressive style of play…will challenge for time on the field in 2005…expect Portillo to turn some heads as a collegiate rookie.

The person:  Erick was born in Los Angeles, California on January 18, 1987…parents are Oscar and Hada Portillo…Erick’s whole family loves soccer…has not decided on a major of study…likes to eat pizza…sports hero is Edgar Davids…loves the color blue and the number 11…cheers for team Barcelona…likes the movie “Blow”...enjoys playing soccer and listening to music…would like to meet Diego Maradona…feels like racism is the biggest problem in the world…has learned to have fun in life…competing in athletics has taught him about respect…wants to eventually become a professional soccer player.

His thoughts:  Erick selected Vanguard because of the atmosphere and appreciates the spiritualism on campus.

Coach Dodge’s comments:  Erick has a great passion and work rate to play soccer and will look to improve all aspects of his game.  He has a bright future here at VU.