For the Oct. 23, 2014 issue of the Post Register, I wrote this profile on Idaho Falls High School soccer player Johnny Castaneda. Castaneda moved from Mexico to Idaho Falls last year, right before the 2013 soccer season.

Here is the first section of my story:

The Idaho Falls High School boys soccer team trailed Madison 5-4 in penalty kicks with Castaneda up next. With a win, the Tigers would advance to the 2013 5A District 5-6 title game and clinch a trip to state.

Castaneda’s second-half goal ultimately forced extra time. But he doesn’t reflect on that goal. He reflects on his penalty kick.

Castaneda had the accuracy; he had the velocity. But Madison’s goal keeper blocked it.

‘I felt like I wanted to die,’ Castaneda said through his translator, teammate JP Alonso.

Castaneda moved from Jalisco, Mexico, to Idaho Falls in August of 2013. By district playoffs in October, the only comforting presences in his life were his brother, his sister and soccer. After the missed penalty kick, only two of those remained.

In the year since, Castaneda, 18, has made several friends, his English has improved and he’s a big reason why Idaho Falls reclaimed this year’s district championship. Throughout his time in Idaho, the senior forward never forgets who made all of this possible: his parents.

‘It’s really hard without my parents here,’ he said. ‘That’s who I work hard for.’