Southern Methodist University has been at the top in men’s soccer before. But over the last couple of years the Mustangs have sat in the middle of Conference USA.

However, with a revamped team than includes 13 freshmen, current SMU Head Coach Tim McClements has led the group into what looks like one of the best squads in the nation.

A good part of this year’s success, that has seen SMU win nine straight games to start the season, is due to Juan Castillo (#9 Freshmen Top 100).

The freshman hailing from Kingwood, Texas, has been devouring opponents, already notching seven goals and three assists. His adjustment to the Division 1 level has been a great revelation to the coaching staff.

“Juan has been an outstanding player and has a great knack in front of goal,” McClements said. “He does things that separate himself from others, he covers a lot of ground, sends balls in very well, and constantly works on both sides of the ball. Coming in as a freshman and having that impact, anybody would welcome that.”

After speaking with Juan, it is clear what drives him is his motivation, his ability to never settle, and always finding methods to improve.

“I came in with the mind set that I will be working very hard. SMU sent us a packet over the summer with guides on how to weight lift and train for endurance, which I followed,” Juan said. “Once here, I looked at the older players to try to learn their system of play.”

But like any new player, it is not until one hits the field that they realize what they are up against.

“Definitely the first game was a little nerve-racking coming in,” Juan said. “I just had to put the nervousness aside and play simple. And if things didn’t go my way, I would just work harder than the opponent.”

It’s that work ethic that has Juan on top of the team’s statistical table with 17 points. In addition it’s his physical style of play that has added to his success. His ability to take people one on one and create opportunities in small spaces.

But he isn’t alone. Behind him on the stat chart is Josue Soto, who already has six assists, and is the feeding line of Castillo.

“Josue is a very creative player, free to roam on the field,” McClements said. “He is one player that pulls the strings, and one of his favorite targets is Juan.”

Juan also recognizes the role that the upperclassmen have had on this big recruiting class.

“The older players told us what they expected from us. They are always onto us not because they are trying to be hard, but because they know what to expect, and Josue has been a big part of that,” Juan said. “They have never treated us like freshmen and there is a feeling of chemistry.”

The problem of being hot is that everyone wants to put the fire out. And Juan is now learning that he is the center of attention for opposing defenses.

The depth of SMU’s roster has not only alleviated the pressure on Juan but also given the Mustangs other sources through which to get results.

“It’s becoming a little difficult because he’s no longer an unknown commodity. But our team has weapons, and a lot of freshmen have received points,” McClements said. “He has the determination and drive to log a lot of minutes, but we don’t need to keep him out there for 90 minutes.”

Juan’s career is obviously very young, and if he has been this successful in the first eleven games of his freshmen season, it’s unimaginable to think where he might be four years from now.

“The sky is the limit for Juan. He is obviously very comfortable at the college level and will be a productive player,” McClements said. “We still need to develop the intricacies of his game, but we’ll take it day by day.”

As for the player himself, he knows nothing but giving his best.

“I place high standards for myself, both on and off the field,” Juan said. “One key is never to be satisfied, it doesn’t matter if the team is 3-0 or 5-0. I can always do better. Whether it’s preseason or postseason, I can always find something to improve on. My main focus is to play soccer and get my education.”