Crossroads seeking third State title
If every boys soccer coach in California were in a room, and were asked for a show of hands of which teams had won at least three CIF State titles, the amount of hands going in the air would be…
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Continue ReadingIf every boys soccer coach in California were in a room, and were asked for a show of hands of which teams had won at least three CIF State titles, the amount of hands going in the air would be very, very few. In fact, it would just be three as Salesian, Paramount and Loyola have all won at least three.
Crossroads school of Santa Monica is now hoping to join that group.
With a spot in the Southern Section’s Division III playoffs, Crossroads seeks its second Section title and third State title in the last 11 seasons. And how far the program has come, being a Division III this season.
It was just in 2011/2012 the team was in the Section final in DVI and won the small school bracket in the State tournament. In 2020/2021, Crossroads won the Section’s Division VI title and the State’s Division V title.
Last season the Roadrunners found themselves in the DV semifinals and this year enter the Section playoffs in Division III in what has been a rapid ascent.
“This is by far the most talented team we’ve ever had,” head coach Federico Bianchi said. “In the past we’ve had on or two players who were X-factors, but now we have many of our players playing club and we are much deeper.
Whether that translates into a Section title two divisions up from where they were a year ago remains to be seen.
“I think we have a chance, because we are a talented team,” Bianchi said. “But it’s going to be hard.”
How far Crossroads goes could be determined by four players, who are very standout contributors to this team.
Gus Koven, Senior, Holding Midfielder
Koven is the senior captain and the heartbeat in the midfield as the No. 6. He controls the midfield, he’s solid all-around as he wins the ball back, he distributes well and can go box-to-box. He is a Beach FC ECNL player.
Donovan Mark, Freshman, Attacking Midfielder
Mark is a standout freshman, and one of the most impressive players from the class of 2026 in California. He is a complete player. He’s still a little small, but does not get knocked off the ball. He’s good in tight areas, great with the ball at his feet and displays great vision. He was with the LAFC Academy and is now with the LA Surf MLS Next team.
Will Nicholas, Junior, Forward
Nicholas is a wide player on the right side and is very good going forward. He will go right at you, and is dangerous when cutting inside. He can also play on the left side as the No. 11. He plays his club with Santa Monica Surf.
Caden Weinhouse, Senior, Keeper
Weinhouse is a senior captain and is an extremely solid keeper. He’s improved a ton and is reaping the benefits of that in his senior year, showing he is a top keeper. He is a good shot stopper and good about coming out and getting crosses.