Sizing up the return of the Winter Soccer Classic
After two years, the Bay Area’s Winter Soccer Classic has returned. The tournament is being played for the first time since 2019, and it just a bit truncated having just Gold and Silver divisions, no Bronze, but the fact that…
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Continue ReadingAfter two years, the Bay Area’s Winter Soccer Classic has returned. The tournament is being played for the first time since 2019, and it just a bit truncated having just Gold and Silver divisions, no Bronze, but the fact that the tournament is back is a big deal.
“Last year was kind of crazy for everybody, but getting back to some normalcy for the kids is something to look forward to,” Newark Memorial coach and tournament organizer Ricky Villa said. “It’s always fun to play in a tournament and for the kids to play for a trophy.”
The tournament includes some of the best teams that the North Coast Section has to offer. Perennial DI contender Clayton Valley, along with East Bay Athletic League stalwarts Foothill and Granada. Richmond, Newark Memorial and Bishop O’Dowd represent some of the best teams in Division II.
Here are the matchups to look out for from both brackets.
Gold Bracket
Group A – Castro Valley, Clayton Valley, Foothill, Granada
Group B – Bishop O’Dowd, Newark Memorial, Northgate, Richmond
Dec. 1 – Clayton Valley v. Granada
The Ugly Eagles of Clayton Valley are always in the mix for an NCS Division I title. They are always a team to be reckoned with and they will get a test against a very gritty and determined team from the East Bay Athletic League, the top league in the NCS.
Dec. 4 – Bishop O’Dowd v. Richmond
The Oilers are a model of consistency, with 152 wins in the nine seasons prior to the COVID-shortened spring season. They will be facing a Bishop O’Dowd team that isn’t too shabby themselves. The Dragons have 120 wins over the last nine seasons, and are a constant threat in the DII bracket.
Dec. 6 – Newark Memorial v. Bishop O’Dowd
Two of the top DII programs in the section face off here. Newark, before dropping in an enrollment, was a mainstay in the Division I playoffs, even reaching a DI final against De La Salle in 2011. Now, like BOD, they are a constant force on the DII landscape. Newark will be led by four seniors: central midfielder Nick Medrano, keeper Jordan Pellizzer, attacker Brayan Godinez and outside back Andrew Fernandez. All three of them are very solid, skillful and hard-working players. Medrano specifically is a three-year varsity starter and is the key to the Cougars team.
Dec. 7 – Clayton Valley v. Castro Valley
The Trojans get a chance to show their mettle against the Ugly Eagles. If Castro Valley are going to compete, it will be in large part thanks to two standouts in senior center midfielder Jacob Shannon and freshman striker/winger Haku Kramer. Shannon brings leadership, strength and focus to the midfield while Kramer brings a strong work ethic and physical ability.
Dec. 11 – Foothill v. Clayton Valley
A lot could be riding on this game as, on paper, these two figure to be the top team teams in their group. A bid to the Gold Division championship game could be at stake.
Silver Bracket
Group A: Alameda, Campolindo, Kennedy-Fremont, Kennedy Richmond
Group B: American, Arroyo, Concord, Livermore
Dec. 1 – Livermore v. Arroyo
The Cowboys are the only DII team in the EBAL, and therefore should be considered the favorites for this bracket. Arroyo, however, has long time coach Raul Herrera and the Dons are always a talented side who can play with just about anyone.
Dec. 4 – Campolindo v. Alameda
The Cougars are looking to establish themselves as mainstays in the DIII picture once again, while the Hornets are looking to build off two solid seasons in 2018 and 2019 and get back to the DII playoffs. Alameda will look to be led by Caleb Garza and Hamza Kaanoune. Both are juniors, both play in the midfield with Garza on the left and Kaanoune on the right. Garza has great vision on the pitch and is great at picking a pass and finding his teammates, while Kaanoune is creative, quick, good with the ball at his feet and can operate in tight space. Once Kaanoune maneuvers out of tight space, he’s very good at distributing to his teammates. For Campolindo, Will Ruskin, Nauder Maghsoodnia, and Luke Olsen lead the way. Ruskin, a senior, is a very strong center forward that has a high soccer IQ, who is always looking to go forward and score. Maghsoodnia is a senior, the team’s captain, the center mid, who is a great free-kick taker, and Olsen is a junior holding mid who is the most technical player on the team. He is a slow heartbeat guy, who is the presence in the midfield that leads the Cougars possession style.
Dec. 11 – Livermore v. Concord
The Minutemen may take exception to the statement about Livermore being the favorite in this class. Concord will have plenty to say about that. Always a hard-working and talented side, do not be surprised if they are in a position to play in the championship match when this fixture rolls around.