Castro Valley changing WACC power dynamic
Since its inception, the West Alameda County Conference’s Foothill Division has basically been dominated by Berkeley High, with a little bit of Bishop O’Dowd sprinkled in. But entering play today, there is an unexpected league-leading team as Castro Valley sits…
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Continue ReadingSince its inception, the West Alameda County Conference’s Foothill Division has basically been dominated by Berkeley High, with a little bit of Bishop O’Dowd sprinkled in.
But entering play today, there is an unexpected league-leading team as Castro Valley sits three points clear of Berkeley, and has a 2-0 win over the Yellowjackets for good measure. After a match with San Leandro tonight, the Trojans get Berkeley again on Friday, at home, with a chance for all intents and purposes, to wrap up a league title.
“Up to this point it has been a phenomenal season,” Castro Valley coach Rob Olson said. “We’re a really solid team, but we are young. We’ve been training really well and we’ve had a nice start to the season.”
The Trojans have their first 10-win season in three years, and from a winning percentage standpoint are having the best season in 13 years.
And as Olson mentioned, they are doing it with a young roster. Of the 22 players on the roster, only one is a senior. In fact, that senior didn’t even play in the first eight matches, as this young squad only returned five players. There are also four sophomore and three freshman. This team is setup to be very good for a while.
Yet, here they are, atop the league and ranked No. 11 in the North Coast Section. This team is led by an excellent senior, a group of juniors, an outstanding sophomore and a fantastic freshman.
Alex Balica, Junior, Forward
Balica is a team captain. After playing central defender last year, he is playing in the position for the Trojans that he plays for his club. He likes to get forward and he enjoys the freedom to create and score goals, which he does frequently.
Dominic Bolender, Freshman, Midfielder
Bolender is an advanced player for a freshman with a sophisticated understanding of the game. He interchanges with the other midfielders nicely, possesses the ball well and is in control in dictating play.
Haku Kremer, Sophomore, Holding Midfielder
Kremer is a team captain as a sophomore and was a standout player last season as well. He is a big, strong and smart No. 6 who plays very disciplined. He has good command of the midfield, he controls the game and is not afraid to play physically. He is good at winning the ball, and he is a workhorse who has an incredible work ethic.
Giovanni Pinon, Senior, Attacking Midfielder
Pinon is the senior that joined late, and what an add he’s been. He has a good mindset and totally has bought into the team first mentality. He’s a leader by example, and it’s a good example. He creates tempo, he’s a creator and he can score goals when the team needs him to.
Nikolas Sommerhalter, Junior, Midfielder
One of the elder statesmen in the midfield, so to speak, he is a steadying influence for Castro Valley. He’s very good in possession and is very good at dictating the play and the tempo.
Andrei Zhuzi, Junior, Midfielder
The Trojans are rich in midfielders, and here is another junior who is mature, a communicator and a hard-worker. Zhuzi possesses well, is another tempo creator and is free to move about in the midfield.