The members of Central Valley High School’s boys soccer program know what’s at stake every time they step on the field.

The Hawks always command their opponents’ best effort every game due to their tradition of excellence.

Central Valley has won nine conference titles and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs 15 times in the past 16 seasons.

The Hawks would have advanced to the playoffs during the 2020-21 school year but postseason play was canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“I’m really happy to be a part of the program,” said fifth-year leader Horacio Garcia, who was voted Central California Conference Coach of the Year last winter. “Other players and coach (Omar) Leon have worked very hard throughout the years to give Central Valley a great reputation. The kids know CV has one of the top programs in the area. We have to continue that.”

Central Valley’s expectations remain high heading into the 2024-25 season thanks in large part to team chemistry.”

The core of this year’s team play for the same travel club.

Seven players suited up for the Hawks’ 2023-24 undefeated junior-varsity team (21-0-3, 11-0-1).

“Our chemistry is awesome,” Garcia said. “I see it on the field. We have to take advantage of it.”

Central Valley has a 25-person roster. 

A total of 50 players tried out for the team.

“I picked the best players that will give CV the best opportunity to win,” Garcia said. “I have plenty of options having that many players on my roster. I can make subs when needed for all positions. We’re very lucky.”

“They’re very smart,” he added. “There’s not much coaching I have to do because they’re very talented players. It helps that they know each other from their competitive teams.”

Central Valley returns 12 players from a season ago, including Alejandro Garcia (Sr.), Anantah Sivongxay (Sr.), Ivan Cervantes (Jr.), Enrique Lopez (Sr.), Artemio Ortiz (Sr.), Ivan Velasquez (Sr.), Tahte Yang (Sr.), Osvaldo Cisneros (Jr.), Diego De Jesus (Jr.), Damyan Garcia (Jr.), Diego Ochoa (Jr.) and Adrian Serrano (So).

Garcia earned first-team all-CCC honors as a junior.

He collected 14 goals and five assists while starting six games at forward in league play

Sivongxay and Cervantes both garnered second-team all-league honors.

Sivongxay logged playing time at left fullback and central defender as a junior. 

He collected one assist.

Cervantes totaled three goals and five assists at right winger.

Garcia, Sivongxay and Lopez have been named team captains.

“They lead by example,” Horacio Garcia said. “They’re responsible. They’re respected by their teammates.”

The Hawks have 13 newcomers: Alan Alvarez (Sr.), Fidel Hernandez (Sr.), Jayson Orque (Jr.), Dominic Gudino (So.), Julian Huaracha (So.), Oscar Monzon (So.), Santiago Morales (So.), Carlos Navarro Reyes (So.), Julio Paz Benitez (So.), Elias Godinez (Fr.), Jayden Pires (Fr.), Jayden Rodriguez (Fr.) and Isaiah Ruiz (Fr.).

“They’re very young but very talented,” coach Garcia said. “That makes my job easier.”

Pires and Godinez both start.

“It’s a great accomplishment for them,” Horacio Garcia said. “I don’t remember the last time we’ve had two freshmen starting at varsity. They earned their starting positions because of their talent. They showed how good they are at tryouts.”

Central Valley lost 10 players to graduation in Miguel Serrano, Jesus Silva, Gilbert Zamora III, Yahir Perez, Alexis Cervantes, Diego Covarrubias, Aaron Flores, Andres Guevera, Julio Larranaga and Victor Macias.

Serrano and Silva were named the CCC’s Defensive Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively.

Zamora III and Perez were both selected to the CCC First Team.

The Hawks amassed a 21-7-1 overall record, finished first in the CCC standings with a near-perfect 11-1-0 mark and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoffs for the second year in a row this past winter.

Central Valley will compete in a different conference this season.

The Hawks moved from the CCC to the Western Athletic Conference as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan.

Central Valley won two titles during its four years in the CCC.

The new-look WAC features eight teams: Central Valley, Ceres High, Livingston, Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop and Pacheco.

“I’m excited we’re back in the WAC and able to play two games against Ceres High,” Horacio Garcia said. “Their coach has been doing a great job with his kids. I hope both of our teams make it to playoffs.”

Central Valley will try to reach its ultimate goal in 2024-25 by winning its first-ever blue, Sac-Joaquin Section championship banner.

The Hawks have an all-time record of 0-7 in section title games.

“The expectations continue to be high,” coach Garcia said. “Our main goal every year is to fight for that section title. Hopefully, this year will be our year. It would be a dream come true. Not just for me. But for the players. And coach Leon and all the players that have played for CV.”