Only a sophomore, Gutierrez has his sights set on the Lancers’ scoring record.

And he’s racking goals at a torrid pace, making up for lost time after missing East Union’s first four games of the season.

Gutierrez has goal contributions in all 14 of his appearances coming into the week and is among the top scorers in the state and nation. He added six goals to his season account in three matches last week, including a hat trick in a 3-2 Valley Oak League win over rival Sierra.

In fact, Gutierrez put away all six of the Lancers’ goals for the week. East Union (3-1 VOL, 14-3-1 overall) also downed Ripon 1-0 in the non-league tilt and edged out Oakdale 2-1 on Saturday.

“Honestly, I’m trying to surpass Gio’s record,” Gutierrez said after the Sierra win. He referenced 2024 graduate Giovanni Perez, who owns the program record with 107 career goals.

“He’s a great player, and hopefully I can keep scoring this season to get closer to his record.”

If Gutierrez remains healthy, coach Ronnie Green believes this “generational player” can get there.

Gutierrez debuted at the varsity level as a freshman last year, scoring nine goals and five assists. He has blown past those marks with still eight regular-season matches to go in the current campaign.

His 24 goals is tops in the Sac-Joaquin Section, seventh most in California and 23th in the country, according to MaxPreps. He also has four assists, bringing his points total to 52.

“Yandel has turned out to be like Gio — a generational player,” Green said. “He just has the knack to score. He has that killer instinct.”