Something special is brewing at Clovis North

Clovis North has had some very good seasons in the first five seasons that head coach Cameron Shahrokhi has been at the helm. The Broncos have reached the Central Section Division I final twice, have won the Tri-Rivers league twice and were runners up the other three seasons. In both CIF finals, they lost on a golden goal. They've been oh-so close.   With that all being said, Clovis North has goals this year, and they have the team to accomplish those goals. It debuted at No. 7 in PrepSoccer's California State rankings and are largely considered the Central Section's best team this year. They are favorites to win the CIF title and could be a real contender for a NorCal State title.   "We talked about winning every time we step out on the pitch," Shahrokhi said. "We have the talent and determination, and we have put in the hours to compete with any team. I feel, and the players feel, we can play with anybody."   And that isn't just talk. The Broncos have 12 seniors returning from a team that won 18 matches last year, and have started this season with 11 wins and a draw in their first 12 matches.   "We have a very good group this year," Shahrokhi said. "It's been a long time coming for a lot of these seniors. We've got a lot of experience and we have a really good team."   The Broncos are deep and will get contributions from many players, and here are eight to watch out for.   Noel Garcia, Senior, Central Defender   Garcia is a four-year varsity starter and the heart and soul of this Broncos defense. He is a big, strong player and a freakish athlete. He's got a strong boot, he has a long throw and is very fast. He's versatile and can contribute in multiple facets of the game. He will be playing at the next level and has offers he's considering.   Josh Gault, Sophomore, Outside Defender   Gault is one of the great group of sophomore that the Broncos have, and he was a starter on this team as a freshman. He is a Division I talent, and is very versatile. He's been filling in at center back recently. He's athletic, technically gifted, he has a high soccer IQ and keeps the ball at his feet very well.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/Brandon-Lopez-crop-3190x2095-1672965601.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-78144" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rob Hansen</figcaption></figure>   Brandon Lopez, Senior, Holding Midfielder   Lopez, plain and simply, is a ball-winner. Once he wins the ball he shows great vision and distributes the ball very well. He's not super flashy, but does all the dirty work. He breaks up play in the midfield and is the connection with the back line. He's the team's engine. He has good size and has Division I offers on the table.   Bryan Lopez, Senior, Attacking Midfielder   Lopez, who is the twin brother of Brandon, has license in this Broncos attack. His role is fluid between playing the No. 10 and the No. 9, but wherever he is, he flat out scores or sets up goals. He has 16 goals and 14 assists, meaning he's played a role in 30 of the team's 39 goals. He's a crafty player who rarely gives the ball away. His strongest suit is that he's very technically gifted. He is very quick and explosive, he snaps the ball off with pace, makes the right plays and is very unselfish. Like his brother, he has Division I offers on the table and is weighing those options.   Javier Moran, Sophomore, Forward   Moran is another talented sophomore who plays the No. 7, but can also play the No. 10 when Bryan Lopez is more forward. He is a very technical young player with a great soccer IQ and shows great quickness and ability.   Mihran Semerdzhyan, Senior, Central Midfielder   Semerdzhyan is a motor in the center of the pitch for Clovis North. He is fit and conditioned off the charts, and he's a good athlete as well allowing him to make athletic plays. He also shows great technical ability. He has more than one college offer on the table.   Matt Swanbeck, Senior, Forward   Swanbeck might be right-footed, but he plays the No. 11 and does it well. He has nine goals already for Clovis North and when the ball finds his foot in the area or just outside of it, the ball usually finds the net. He's a hard-working player who shows a lot of toughness and grit.   Lucas Tabangcura, Senior, Keeper   Tabangcura is a gifted keeper in terms of playing the ball at his feet. He is someone who can play it out of the back and help start an attack from the opposite side of the pitch. He could play the outfield if needed. He's also a very good shot stopper who has saved four PK's already this season. He's a gifted athlete who is considering multiple college offers.

Clovis North has had some very good seasons in the first five seasons that head coach Cameron Shahrokhi has been at the helm. The Broncos have reached the Central Section Division I final twice, have won the Tri-Rivers league twice and were runners up the other three seasons. In both CIF finals, they lost on a golden goal. They've been oh-so close.