STOCKTON — Ottawa University in Arizona is also known as OUAZ.
Roberto 'Robbie' Gonzalez is the latest local soccer product to join the Spirits of the National Athletic Intercollegiate Association's Golden State Athletic Conference.
The Weston Ranch High senior made it official on Friday by signing his national letter of intent to attend OUAZ in the fall.
"I really liked it out there (during my visit). It has a small-school feel," said Gonzalez, who is looking to major in Sports Medicine.
Other area products currently playing for Ottawa include sophomore midfielders' Giovanni Ruelas (East Union) and David Lopez (Sierra High), sophomore defender Victor De La O (Ripon High), Ramsin Larios (Pitman), sophomore midfielder Miguel Acosta (Franklin) and freshman forward Jordan Rocha (Gregori).
According to Robbie's father and Weston Ranch assistant coach Benjamin Gonzalez, his younger son drew interest to play collegiate soccer for Dominican University along with "a couple of state universities.”
Prior to his signing, Gonzalez scored four goals and had an assist in the Cougars' 8-0 rout over Central Catholic.
For the year, he's tallied 21 goals with four assists and, according to WR head coach Francisco Cisneros, is one of the favorites to win the Valley Oak League Most Valuable Player award.
"He's the best player on possibly the best team." he said of his senior forward. Cisneros noted that Gonzalez is "a great player, but a better leader."
The Cougars currently hold the top spot in the VOL and face Sierra on Tuesday for the championship. The league finale takes place at Lathrop High and starts at 5:45.
Robbie Gonzalez is a three-year varsity player.
"He's been playing soccer since he was 3 years old and has always had a passion for the game," his father Benjamin said.
He also credits his son's work ethics.
"Robbie plays hard during games but he works even harder off the field," the older Gonzalez said.