Piedmont Hills top Harker in season opener – CIF NorCal

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Week 1 High School soccer competition - Piedmont Hills at Harker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The temperature around game time was a chilly 49 degrees by California standards for a 6:45 pm match.&nbsp; The winter soccer season just kicked off in Northern California, and a public high school and a private school met for a non-conference match in their season openers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harker High School in San Jose, CA, played its first match of the season at home against Piedmont Hills High School, also from San Jose.&nbsp; Harker had an overall 9-8-1 record last season, while going 7-7 in league play for a 4th place finish.&nbsp; Many of the players are multi-sport athletes and may not necessarily have soccer as their main sport, but they look really athletic, and some of the players may choose to put soccer in their collegiate career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warmups #1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1996771609487856029?s=20","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/1996771609487856029?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piedmont Hills High School came in 4th last season, while going 5-3-2 in league competition and finishing with a 10-4-4 overall record.&nbsp; This team has some quality club players hoping to get their team to a CCS (Central Coast Section) playoff and get some looks from college scouts.&nbsp; Prior to completing this article, I was able to get the second half of the Pirates' second match and included some footage from that game as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warmups #2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1996772896287740396?s=20","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/1996772896287740396?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Piedmont Hills standouts for the match against Harker were:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franko Gonzalez - 2026 - Forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Angel Avalos - 2026 - Center Mid</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Travis Tran - 2026 - Center Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ilijah Galban - 2027 - Striker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harker's standout was:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Powell - 2027 - Goalkeeper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #1 - Franko Gonzalez - 2026 - Forward</strong></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":"Franko Gonzalez","_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":"null","_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":"Piedmont Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6936757865b19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He scored the first goal of the match against Harker. His ability to find open spots in the 18 is where he is most dangerous. In the two matches I've covered him, he scored once in both and had a few more that were close to getting in. Franko has a good touch and can make the quick one-two passes to get by defenders. He is patient with his shots and has a good follow-through technique. With his style of play and skill sets, he should be getting looks from scouts at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1997886911290192363?s=20","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/1997886911290192363?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #2 - Angel Avalos - 2026 - Center Mid</strong></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":"Angel Avalos","_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":"null","_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":"Piedmont Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6936757865bba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Angel played more of the attacking mid position. He made quality passes to diagonal and overlapping runners. He has one of the longest throw-ins, which gives his team opportunities to score from anywhere around the 30-37 yard range. He found open spots in the attacking third and hit players in stride down the channels and over the top. I was really impressed with his shots from range. Definitely a player who can play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1997893670708867409?s=20","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/1997893670708867409?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #3 - Travis Tran - 2026 - Center Back</strong></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":"Travis Tran","_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":"null","_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":"Piedmont Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6936757865c3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Travis led the defensive line to a shutout, while playing in the center back position. He made clean tackles, accurate/decisive passes, and has a strong chip pass to the attacking third. His calm composure and leadership qualities helped the Pirates to only allow 1 goal in 2 matches thus far. He has a really good soccer IQ and anticipates well and doesn't take too many chances. Travis showed some burst of speed to track down players, but most of his stops were from jumping lanes and playing tight and proper timing. Looking forward to evaluating him further as he seems like a player who can possibly play at the higher levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1997897448229114347?s=20","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/1997897448229114347?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #4 - Ilijah Galban - 2027 - Striker</strong></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":"Ilijah Galban ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_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":"Piedmont Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6936757865cb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ilijah had one of the best goals I've seen in a while. Definitely worthy of an ESPN highlight reel. The 40-yard-plus shot was nearly perfect, as he received the pass outside the box before shaking off a few defenders to get him some breathing room. Once he saw an opening, he knew exactly what to do. He also showed great ball control, quick cuts, and found open pockets. Ilijah also had other scoring opportunities, with one just pinging off of the crossbar. He will be a player scouts should be looking at.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1997888718208905607?s=20","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/1997888718208905607?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #5 - Jackson Powell - 2027 - Goalkeeper</strong></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":"Jackson Powell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_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":"Harker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6936757865d29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He was always in the right position, but two really good quality goals were able to sneak by. Jackson has good hands, anticipates the attack well, and knew when to leave his line. He made a few 1v1 challenges, which could have been additional points on the board. Yet, he stayed calm and kept his team in the match. He is a multi-sport athlete who will need to choose which sport to play at the next level. His athletic ability to perform well in various sports will make it difficult to focus on just one. Hoping it would be soccer, as I believe he can play at the higher levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1997906197538820565?s=20","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/1997906197538820565?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->