Alisal, Berkeley contenders in respective sections

Two heavyweights from different parts of the Bay Area squared off on Saturday, giving fans a sneak peek into the power dynamics of the Central Coast and North Coast Sections. Alisal, with a 20th-minute goal from Adrian Morado, came out on top 1-0 in the showdown with Berkeley, but both teams showed that they have the coaching, tactics, team attitude, and individual players to compete for a title in their respective sections. There is mutual respect for the two programs as both coaches were quick to compliment the other team. "I like the way they play out of the back," Alisal coach Mark Cisneros said. "They do well getting the ball to the midfield and they are pretty technical." For Berkeley, what they saw was a team that does the same things. They build up play using a strong possession style. "They play like us," Berkeley coach Andre Hebert said. "They are coached really well, they play out of the back with good possession and they are dynamic and talented." Possession was the key for the Trojans who were able to keep a dangerous Berkeley attack at bay by keeping the ball for large portions of the match. "I like the way we were able to manage the game," Cisneros said after the win on Saturday. "We sped up when we needed to, we slowed down when we needed to. We showed good mental stability, we made an effort to possess and focused on keeping the ball." It was a good showing against a good Yellowjackets side that presented a formidable challenge for Alisal, which also helps prepare them for a rigorous season. "We were very happy to play Berkeley," Cisneros said. "They are disciplined, organized, and technical. They have size and speed. Games like this can only help us out." The Trojans are always a talented team, but this year Cisneros is choosing character over talent to help them achieve the goal of winning a CCS Division I title. Cisneros had 100 kids try out and chose the players with the best mental makeup to comprise this squad. "I'm going with character this year," Cisneros said. "This is the most emotionally healthy team I've had in years." It also helps to have players who also are talented and Alisal has three standouts in that department. Yoni Avilar, Junior, Holding Mid Avilar was the star on Saturday as he really stood out with his energy and his intelligence in understanding what Berkeley players were doing and what their strengths are. He's a very versatile player who plays the No. 6 spot, but can play 8, 10, or on the wings. Nathan Saldana, Junior, Midfield Saldana, a captain, is very calm with the ball, is very technical with good vision and excellent scanning ability which is something that the Alisal program has been preaching. Joe Vasquez, Sophomore, Forward/Wing Vasquez is part of the US Youth National Team player pool. He is a smooth, left-footed player, who can use either foot. He has good character, is a great kid off the pitch, and is very dynamic on it. Berkeley showed that it will be an NCS contender, hanging with a very good Trojans team despite being a young side with two sophomores starting. "For us it was a great game to see where we are," Hebert said. "It's good to face great competition and with two sophomores starting, the more games like this we play we should get better and be in NCS contention." The Yellowjackets will only have more tests like this upcoming with games against Vintage, Bellarmine, Montgomery, and Bella Vista. If they are going to get through that stretch with some results, their dynamic front three will have to play well. Jalen Harris, Sophomore, Forward Harris is one of the two aforementioned sophomores. He is fast, so much so that Hebert mentioned his speed more than once. He's a great finisher, which is impressive for a sophomore. Alan Rubio Partida, Junior, Winger Partida plays on the left side of the triumvirate that is the Berkeley front line. He's also very fast, and for a smaller player, he's very strong and tough. Andreas, Baechler, Senior, Winger Baechler is the right wing, completing the dynamic top three, and is a very big, technical player. He's the team leader and captain.