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After last season, Gutierrez considered an offer from New York City FC but decided to return home for his senior year.

“Well, it was a hard decision, but ultimately, it was to finish my senior year to graduate, go to college, get an education and stuff,� Gutierrez said. “I worked 12 years, I know I’ve worked a lot of years in soccer, as well, but I prioritize education a lot, too, and I worked all these years going to school, so … I thought it would be really nice to be able to walk the stage and just graduate.�

Gutierrez, who set the state soccer career goal scoring record with 173, went to New Jersey to work out for the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC. NYCFC didn’t have an academy at his age but offered him the chance to play for their second team, NYCFC II of MLS NEXT Pro, which is on the third tier of the American soccer pyramid.

Sierra Vista native Luis Robles, the Technical Director of MLS NEXT, helped set up the work outs. Robles played for the Red Bulls and Tucson Soccer Academy, where Salpointe head coach Wolfgang Weber coached him.

“I had two feelings. One was I was a little disappointed that he didn’t go to New York and take that opportunity and at the same time, I was really happy to have him back,� Weber said. “Knowing that he was capable of doing something very special and his future to me is very bright, I think he will end up playing at some very good university and then there is still that opportunity to pursue the professional thing after that.�

Gutierrez’s 62 goals this season is a record for big schools. Only Tommy Pederson of Lakeside Blue Ridge in 2018-19 had more, with 69, at the 2A level, competing in fall.

Gutierrez’s 140 points this season is a 4A record.

Gutierrez loved the chance to train with the Red Bulls and NYCFC.

“Oh, it was top (tier), I loved it. I got to learn a lot from the best players, best coaches over there,� Gutierrez said. “Reds Bulls, New York FC, really good teams, MLS teams, academies and yeah, it was really great, a lot of good players, very professional.

“I got to learn a lot of things that I could bring here and take forward onto my games in the future.�

On Saturday, Salpointe won a record fifth straight state championship, its 12th state title overall, also a record.

Gutierrez is No. 1 in the nation in goals and points, according to MaxPreps.

“Well, of course, I was delighted for him, because if you think about it, it’s four years and if you have over 160 goals, that means on average 40 goals per season, but this is a real special season,� Weber said about the career goals record. “He’s a special, special player, doing some very special things and I’m very happy for him.�

Gutierrez won 4A Kino Region Offensive Player of the Year all four years of high school.

Weber, who has coached at Salpointe for 43 years, is amazed by Gutierrez’s abilities.

“He has a lot of talent, I think, I’ve not seen in the 43 years a player who is as efficient in the box, inside the box taking on people or receiving the ball and shielding the ball and then turning and shooting,� Weber said. “I mean, that’s just a special quality he has and he’s very fluid in what he does.

“In other words, he receives and turns and gets ready to finish.�

Gutierrez plays club soccer for FC Tucson Youth 06 ECNL. They are currently in first place in the Mountain Conference South and return to action Saturday at ALBION SC Colorado ECNL.

As for next season, Gutierrez could be staying home again, playing for Pima Community College. This season, the Aztecs earned the No. 1 seed at the national tournament and their coaching staff was selected as the 2024 Junior College Men’s Division II West Region Staff of the Year.

“I’m not too sure yet,� Gutierrez said about next season. “Most likely, I’m almost sure I’ll probably go to Pima, do two years there, be here for the right things, I think Pima’s a really great school and then see what’s forward for me from there.�

Fast Five with Leo

Who got you in the soccer?

My older brother Cristian.

What’s your favorite soccer video game, EAFC/FIFA or Rocket League?

FIFA before and then it changed to EAFC so EAFC.

Who’s your soccer GOAT is it Messi or Ronaldo or somebody else?

Ronaldo, it has to be Ronaldo 100%.

What’s been your favorite soccer memory?

Well, obviously every state championship with my team celebrating together, seeing all the smiles on everybody’s faces and also I scored a bike (bicycle kick) last year in the (Brandon Bean Soccer) Tournament (against Tucson High) and it was a perfect night, it was rainy, the field was a little wet. My whole team and I like knee-slided across the whole field. Although we didn’t win that game, it felt really good in my heart and just was the everybody happy and celebrating as a team.

Who was your favorite teacher in your first three years of high school?

I like all my teachers, they’ve all been really great. I’d have to say probably — you’re putting me on the spot here — between Mr. (Daniel James) Kriegl, which I had last year in theology class or Ms. (Clare Sullivan) Lechuga (English teacher), who I had on my freshman year.