Everett Alvarez Eagles Epic Run to the NorCal D1 Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was jam-packed on the home team's side at the Jim Reavis Stadium in Salinas, California. A small contingent of fans drove down from Concord to support their team in the Boys NorCal Division I Championship Match. The De La Salle Spartans came into this match as the #4 ranked team in the California Boys Soccer (Winter 2024/2025) Rankings, with an overall record of (19-4-3). They were the 2nd place team in a competitive East Bay League, with a record of (7-1-1) in league play, and they are the 4th ranked team in CA. The Spartans advanced to the title match by beating the 34th-ranked team in CA, the Edison Tigers, 2-0 in the opening round and edging the 25th-ranked team, the Bellarmine College Prep Bells, by a score of 4-3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Everett Alvarez Eagles, the 6th ranked team in CA and the CCS Division I Champs, also took down some top ranked CA teams. In the opening round, they beat the 12th-ranked team in CA, Clovis North Broncos, by a score of 2-1. Then they also got by Davis Senior Blue Devils, the 14th ranked team in CA by the same score in the semifinals. The only thing left for the 23-0-2 Eagles to solidify them as having one of the most successful runs in the CCS and NorCal Division I history is to contain the high-scoring powerhouse De La Salle Spartans. The electricity in the air was flowing before the start of the match, and I was treated to every moment of it as I witnessed this epic battle from the home team's side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams took off running after the whistle blew to commence the start. It didn't take long for the Spartans to get on the board. Within the opening 3 minutes of the match, [player_tooltip player_id='7216' first='Calvin' last='Virgilio'] took a long shot from the corner of the 18, just outside the edge with a left-foot shot from the right side. It was a great shot as David Recoder was making a run to the box and drawing players to him before he passed it back to Virgilio, made a cut to his left, and chipped it over the GK.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898544253812584536">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898544253812584536</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a matter of about 3-4 minutes after the initial Spartans goal, Edwin Moreno sent the ball to the penalty area from a set play and found Jorge Hernandez for a header to tie up the match at 1-1. Both scores came in quick as they were both recorded in the first seven minutes of the match. Due to the hard challenges and fast play, both teams received multiple set play pieces around the 18 and some from further outside. Jorge Hernandez set up the set play with another player, who faked his attempt, but Hernandez ripped a shot to the top left corner just above the 5-man wall. This offensive display by Hernandez gave him the OPOM (Offensive Player of the Match). They also provided high pressure at the top to get players to commit to his side as he made passes to diagonal runners or players overlapping on the wing. He played hard, yet smart, and found pockets and open lanes in or near the attacking third.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898552508576043488","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898552508576043488 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other standouts for the Eagles were Luis Macias, Edwin Moreno, and goalkeeper Alvaro Reyes, DPOM (Defensive Player of the Match). He played lights out and put on a goalkeepers clinic in shot-stopping saves worthy of an ESPN highlight reel. Reyes literally stopped the Spartans from putting 4 more goals on the board. His soccer IQ is high, as he positioned himself in the right spots to make the best saves possible. Also, his athletic ability to make diving saves and take on players in 1v1s is a sight to see. I covered their CCS championship match and witnessed some great saves as well, but his performance in this match will go down in history. He is one of the best players I've seen play at this level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898925043624915047">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898925043624915047</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the Spartans side, their standouts were [player_tooltip player_id='167013' first='Ronan' last='Rattigan'], [player_tooltip player_id='8272' first='Matthew' last='Rajecki'], [player_tooltip player_id='7216' first='Calvin' last='Virgilio'], and goalkeeper Carter McAfee. Virgilio gave the Spartans their only goal, and McAfee prevented at least 3 more goals from being scored. He pretty much kept this team in the match, but they were unfortunate in not being able to get the tying goal. McAfee is part of the defensive side to put up 12 clean sheets up to this point. That's pretty impressive, as they played some really good teams in league play as well as by keeping Edison off the board, with 74 goals this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898979045557325863","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898979045557325863 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The halftime score was 2-1, and that was going to be the final score as well, as both teams made great runs at both goalkeepers and their defense. Credit must also go to the defenders on both sides as they made the adjustments during the second half to slow down the high-powered offenses. This match is definitely one that will be talked about for some time. Great players from the two teams featured some of the best club players in CA; it is safe to say that both teams will also have future success as they both seem to be able to reload for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would like to thank Assistant Principal Jer Soriano for the invite and Athletics Director Brian Vasquez for the hospitality. Both of these awesome guys made me feel welcomed, and they play a pivotal role in the Eagles success. Lastly, the community and families of this proud Salinas program should be honored as well with their sportsmanship and love and support for their team. It is also safe to say that the road to the CCS and NorCal Boys Division I Championships must go through Salinas, CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In closing, I just want to give Head Coach Gabriel Campos one of the highest praises. What he and his team have accomplished this season can only be described as a magical run. Winning both the Division I CCS and NorCal reminds me of what Saint Francis girls soccer HC Carlos Barboza did for the second time. Please give coach Gabriel Campos the California Boys Coach of the Year award. He and his team took on and overcame some of the best teams in CA, and he is rightfully deserving of such an award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carter McAfee","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"De La Salle","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Walnut Creek Surf ECNL RL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e09f63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McAfee prevented at least 4 more goals from being scored.  He pretty much kept this team in the match, but they were unfortunate in not being able to get the tying goal.  McAfee is part of the defensive side to put up 12 clean sheets up to this point.  That's pretty impressive as they played some really good teams in league play as well as by keeping Edison off the board, with  (74 goals this season). He plays club soccer for Walnut Creek Surf ECNL RL.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["167013"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e0a001"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Played in the Midfield position. He was active on both sides of the field. He use good footwork and can make precise passes quickly or hit players making runs to the box. Rattigan also made some strong runs as well and almost got the tying score with a bicycle kick. He plays club soccer for Mustang SC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["7216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e0a061"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Played at the right wing position. He took a long shot from the corner of the 18, just outside the edge with a left foot shot from the right side.  It was a great shot as David Recoder was making a run to the box and drawing players to him before he passed it back to Virgilio made a cut to his left before chipping it over the GK. He plays club soccer for Mustang SC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":281704,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jorge Hernandez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Everett Alvarez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"El Camino FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e0a113"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jorge Hernandez set up the set play with another player, who faked his attempt, but Hernandez ripped a shot to the top left corner just above the 5-man wall.  This offensive display by Hernandez gave him the OPOM (Offensive Player of the Match).  The also provided high pressure at the top to get players to commit to his side as he made passes to diagonal runners or players overlapping on the wing.  He had hard, yet smart and found pockets and open lanes in or near the attacking third. He plays club soccer for El Camino FC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":281143,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alvaro Reyes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Everett Alvarez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"El Camino FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e0a1c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goalkeeper Alvaro Reyes DPOM (Defensive Player of the Match).  He played light out and put on a goalkeepers clinic in shot-stopping saves worthy of an ESPN highlight reel.  Reyes literally stopped the Spartans from putting 4 more goals on the board.  His soccer IQ is high, as he positioned himself in the right spots to make the best saves possible.  Also, his athletic ability to make divings saves and take on players in 1v1's is a sight to see.  I covered their CCS championship match and witnessed some great saves as well, but his performance in this match will go down in history.  He is one of the best players I've seen play at this level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":281142,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Edwin Moreno","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Everett Alvarez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"El Camino FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ce897e0a278"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Played as an attacking mid.  He distributed the ball well and can turn upfield quickly. His calm and collective approach helped keep their composure once the Spartans turned up their attack in the second half. Moreno plays a big part on both sides of the field. He plays club soccer for El Camino FC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898920892790673831">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898920892790673831</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898533862927700177">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898533862927700177</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898431508547096597">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898431508547096597</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1892981725791179019","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1892981725791179019 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->