Top-ranked CV boys soccer aims for deep NCS postseason run

The Clayton Valley boys soccer team is currently performing at a high level, holding the #8 rank in California by MaxPreps. They sit at #1 in NCS Division 1 and #1 in the Diablo Athletic League as well. 

But if you ask the players, their success isn’t just about talent. It’s about a shared sacrifice. This year, the roster is made up of athletes who decided to put their individual club soccer careers on hold to play for their school. 

“I think our team is special and unique because we all dropped or weren’t planning on playing (high school) together,” said senior captain Rohman Mahmood. “We all put club (soccer) aside to join as brothers and win league, NCS and state as brothers.” 

The team has put so much effort in the game, according to Rohman, and it has shown on and off the field. 

To keep up this level of play, the athletes stay highly disciplined. Bahram Qamari manages his success by sticking to a daily routine. 

“I balance schoolwork, soccer and other activities by creating a schedule that's suitable for my daily routine,” Qamari said. 

Clayton Valley's boys soccer team has been one of the area's most dominant squads this season. The Ugly Eagles will look to do more damage once the postseason begins. (Photo by Sophie Casillas/Talon staff)

Mental preparation is also a key factor for the team as they head into tough matches. Jacob Asselin emphasized the importance of “understanding how much every game matters and our preparation towards every game.” 

“Honestly, before games I manifest and imagine scoring or doing something special in big games and I think before I act rather than just go out and do whatever,” Mahmood said. “If I feel anxious or rushed I imagine us going  all the way and winning everything even though there was pressure.”

“One bad game doesn't define a player or team. Learn from your mistake and don’t do it again,” Asselin added. “Don’t get frustrated when things aren't going our way.”

The team's approach to difficult games involves maintaining a high intensity until the final whistle. 

“What I've learned from the most difficult games is to play until the very last second and make sure to leave everything on the field,” Qamari said.

Being disciplined and keeping energy levels high are their key to winning. They bring a high motor into games to break down the other team.

A key victory came early in the season when Clayton Valley notched a 3-1 win over Monte Vista, currently ranked #2 in NCS Division 1. The Ugly Eagles were scheduled to wrap up the regular season with a home game Feb. 12 against Las Lomas.

As postseason nears, the team remains focused on its long-term objectives.

While an NCS title is a target to reach, the team’s ambitions don’t stop there. Having established themselves as one of the top teams in state, the Ugly Eagles aren’t just hoping to qualify for state. They expect to be the last ones standing.

“We plan on going to state every year and it isn’t a big deal for us to make,” Mahmood noted. “But rather to win it for sure.”