Preview of High School Impact Players – NorCal

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's winter boys soccer season featured some of the best teams from NorCal playing at the CCS and NorCal tournaments. Aside from the Everett Alvarez Eagles, who won both cups as well as their league title to complete the treble. Other top teams and players who should make it back to the highest levels are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Everett Alvarez (24-0-2) and and #3 in CA and #9 in the nation - CIF NorCal Division I Champions and CCS Division I Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. Mountain View (20-2-3) and #7 in CA - CIF NorCal Division II Champions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. De La Salle (19-5-3) and #11 in CA - CIF NorCal Division I Runner Up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Dougherty Valley (19-4-2) and #18 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Bellarmine (18-4-3) and #26 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Feature Player #1: Jorge Hernandez - 2026 - Offense Player of the Match (OPOM) for Everett Alvarez during the CIF NorCal Division 1 Final.</strong></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: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-68ba82bc60249"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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). He 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. Look for Jorge to win a scoring title and bring his team back to glory.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goals by Jorge Hernandez - Striker - Everett Alvarez Eagles</strong></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><strong>Feature Player #2: Alvaro Reyes - 2026 - Defense Player of the Match (DPOM) for Everett Alvarez during the CIF NorCal Division 1 Final.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.<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":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-68ba82bc6034b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goalkeeper Alvaro Reyes DPOM (Defensive Player of the Match).&nbsp; He played light out and put on a goalkeepers clinic in shot-stopping saves worthy of an ESPN highlight reel.&nbsp; Reyes literally stopped the Spartans from putting 4 more goals on the board.&nbsp; His soccer IQ is high, as he positioned himself in the right spots to make the best saves possible.&nbsp; Also, his athletic ability to make diving saves and take on players in 1v1's is a sight to see.&nbsp; I covered their CCS championship match and witnessed some great saves as well, but his performance in this match will go down in history.&nbsp; He is one of the best players I've seen play at this level. He will be back for his senior year to help the Eagles make another run at both the CCS and NorCal finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Great Stops by Alvaro Reyes - Goalkeeper - Everett Alvarez Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898925043624915047","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/1898925043624915047 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Feature Player #3: [player_tooltip player_id='7216' first='Calvin' last='Virgilio'] - 2026 - Midfielder for De La Salle during the CIF NorCal Division 1 Final.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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: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-68ba82bc603d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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. Calvin will be aiming for redemption as the Spartans seemed to have had a taste of the NorCal finals. Let's say they will be gunning for another shot at a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goal by [player_tooltip player_id='7216' first='Calvin' last='Virgilio'] - De La Salle Spartans - Opening 7 minutes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1898544253812584536","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/1898544253812584536 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Feature Player #4: Patrick McQuirk - 2026 - Defender for Mountain View during the CCS DI Quarterfinal Match.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just as it seemed as if Mitty punched their ticket to the semis, Mountain View's Patrick McQuirk scores off of a throw-in, which was touched by another MV player and it hopped up once before McQuirk volleyed the ball past the goalkeeper's hands in the final minute of overtime half number two.&nbsp; The crowd went wild and that took us to the penalty shootout as overtime ended in a 1-1 goal score.&nbsp; No one really likes to lose in a shootout, but for the winners, it is something they'll never forget.</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":280792,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Patrick McQuirk","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mountain View","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MVLA 07B NPL","_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-68ba82bc604a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scored off of a throw-in, which was touched by another MV player and it hopped up once before he volleyed the ball past the goalkeeper's hands in the final minute of overtime half number two.&nbsp; The crowd went wild and that took us to the penalty shootout as overtime ended in a 1-1 goal score. Patrick had a really good game, both on defense and on offensive set plays.&nbsp; The center back shut down many attacking runs in the half-space and near the 18-yard box.&nbsp; He is a smart player who positions himself to cut off angled runs and he is not afraid to take on players in one on one challenges.&nbsp; He communicated well with the other CB and at times he played a sweeper role in preventing the opposing striker from taking quality shots on goal.&nbsp; His impressive play during the match was on a set piece in which he went up high to give his team the go-ahead goal. Looking forward to seeing push up on the wings for counterattacks or possible playing as winger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's right, as the saying goes, “the cream of the crop will always rise to the top.”&nbsp; Also, looking at some midlevel to emerging teams about to make the jump to the next level.&nbsp; Those teams are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Arch Bishop Mitty.(11-4-6) and #102 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Menlo Atherton Bears (15-1-4) and #112 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. Westmont (15-6-1) and #146 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. Junipero Serra (12-6-3) and #139 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. Palo Alto (12-6-3) and #158 in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Feature Player #5: Isaac Castillo&nbsp; - 2026 - Midfielder for Arch Bishop Mitty during the CCS DI Quarterfinal Match.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scored off a corner kick which was “dummied” and he one-touched it to the top left hand corner, while leaving the goalkeeper and Spartans crowd stunned.&nbsp; It was just a perfectly placed shot, which was nearly impossible to stop.&nbsp; He didn't back down and challenged for loose ball possession. He was able to contain attackers during 1v1s and waited for support. Overall, he made good decisions when facing runners in the channels. He stood them up and cut off angled runs in the box. He also made some quality runs in the attacking third. He plays club soccer for [program_tooltip program_id='283466' first='Santa' last='Clara Sporting'].</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":280427,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Isaac Castillo","_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":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mitty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283466' first='Santa' last='Clara Sporting']","_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-68ba82bc6057c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scored off a corner kick which was “dummied” and he one-touched it to the top left hand corner, while leaving the goalkeeper and Spartans crowd stunned.&nbsp; It was just a perfectly placed shot, which was nearly impossible to stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;He didn't back down and challenged for loose ball possession. He was able to contain attackers during 1v1s and waited for support. Overall, he made good decisions when facing runners in the channels. He stood them up and cut off angled runs in the box. He also made some quality runs in the attacking third. He plays club soccer for [program_tooltip program_id='283466' first='Santa' last='Clara Sporting']. Isaac is a natural scorer and I look forward to seeing him take his team to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Goal by Isaac Castillo -&nbsp; 2026 - Arch Bishop Mitty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893531146018811959","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/1893531146018811959 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Feature Player #6: Dominic Kamienski&nbsp; - 2026 - Goalkeeper for Junipero Serra</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best goalkeepers in the league. He made multiple shot-stopping shots. His positioning and anticipation help decrease scoring angles, and he can soar up high to pull down or knock out high crosses and shots. He has quick reflexes and is very athletic. Made it look easy when making diving saves on low, hard shots. Overall, he is really comfortable in the box, and he is definitely keeping his team in contention. He plays club soccer for Silicon Valley Soccer Academy.</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":319247,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dominic Kamienski","_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":"6'3u0022","_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":"Serra","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Silicon Valley Soccer Academy - MLS Next","_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-68ba82bc60656"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best goalkeepers in the league. He made multiple shot-stopping shots. His positioning and anticipation help decrease scoring angles, and he can soar up high to pull down or knock out high crosses and shots. He has quick reflexes and is very athletic. Made it look easy when making diving saves on low, hard shots. Overall, he is really comfortable in the box, and he is definitely keeping his team in contention. He plays club soccer for Silicon Valley Soccer Academy. It's safe to say that Dominic will have to choose to go the college route or possibly take a chance of pursing a pro soccer contract. He is definitely on the radar of many college and some pro scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Great Stops by Dominic Kamienski - 2026 - Junipero Serra</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1891164183472849302","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/1891164183472849302 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I can't wait until the start of the season. These up-and-coming and top-tier teams will showcase high-level soccer when combined with some of the best-skilled players in top ECNL and MLS. Next players, the sky's the limit. Surging energy can be felt when you see a 10 out of 10 play on either the offensive or defensive side. Good luck to these teams and players, and I hope to be able to cover most, if not all, of my top ten teams for the upcoming 2025 to 2026 school year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->