Jonathan (far left) with some of his teammates
On Saturday, November 15th, Santa Clara Youth Soccer and Santa Clara Sporting Club lost Jonathan Manzo Chavez, a very special young player to a tragic traffic accident while traveling home with his family from a soccer tournament in Manteca. Jonathan was a member of Sporting’s Boys Under 10 Team. On that Saturday morning, Jonathan, his mother and two siblings travelled to Manteca for a NorCal State Cup qualifying tournament. Although Jonathan’s father had to leave the tournament early to attend work he still made the drive to watch as much of his son’s games as he could. Jonathan showcased his talents in front of those he loved the most and celebrated the end of a perfect day of soccer by putting one goal in the back of the net. Unfortunately, no one knew this was to be Jonathan’s last goal. As the family was traveling home, a driver made an ill fated attempt to pass another car on a two lane road and hit the Manzo Family’s Minivan head on. Amazingly, it was reported as rescue workers tried to take off Jonathan’s Sporting shorts, he pleaded that they not be cut because he had a game the next day. As rescue workers then tried to cut away his Sporting jersey Jonathan yelled to his mom to come take it off. Prior to being air-lifted to the hospital, his mom removed his jersey and he again reminded her to save it, as he was worried it would get lost or ruined. It’s hard to imagine the love this young man had for the game and his team.
Santa Clara Soccer will never forget Jonathan as he will truly be missed by all those whose lives he touched. Jonathan’s team decided to not continue in the tournament that weekend and before every game on the following Sunday morning every team observed a moment of silence in memory of Jonathan. Jonathan’s mother and older brother have been released from the hospital and are recovering. His older sister is still in ICU and is recovering from surgery.
PLEASE, LET US ALL KEEP THE CHAVEZ FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS