A last-place finish in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s De Anza Division last year sent the Los Gatos High boys soccer team to compete in the league’s lower El Camino Division this season.
However, the Wildcats intend for their stay in the El Camino to be a short one.
“The ultimate goal for this group is to win league so we can get back up to the top division,” said Joel Fumia, who is in his inaugural season as the Wildcats coach. “The clear goal for the team is to win league and that is a stepping stone to moving back up and potentially making the CCS playoffs.”
The Wildcats certainly have the look of a winning club—they’re big, strong and physical—and they intend to use their size to their advantage.
Fumia said he expects his players to play clean but also impose their will physically against smaller teams—and that list should be a rather long one.
“We feel like we’ll be good in the air in terms of winning headers and be dangerous in the box on set pieces because we have big guys that can get up in the air and head the ball,” Fumia said. “Hopefully, we can bring that out and utilize those physical attributes to be dominant in those areas, whether in the air or attacking and defending in the air. Corner kicks, free kicks, we want to do well in those areas as well.”
Brady Kamali, a senior center forward and one of the team captains, scored both of the team’s goals in a season-opening 2-1 win over Salinas High on Dec. 3. Last May, Kamali was a member of the boys 4×400 meter relay team that advanced to the CIF State Track and Field Championships.
“Brady is one of our best players, but he’s also a leader,” Fumia said. “He’s got a good work ethic, good qualities you need to have as a leader. Physically, he’s fast, strong and good on the ball. He’s a really good kid and someone a lot of the younger guys look up to.”
Co-captain Drew Dillehay, a returning senior right winger, also has strong leadership qualities and is a player who Fumia hopes will be a dangerous goal-scorer.
“Drew is strong, athletic and quick,” Fumia said. “He’s also a leader-type and someone people look up to.”
Fumia said as of Dec. 6 the team could name another captain or two to flank Kamali and Dillehay.
Returning senior Matt Chase plays the defensive midfielder position and will be instrumental in the team controlling the possession as he’s strong on the ball and technically sound.
Senior center back Alex Cross is strong in the air and will play a vital role on the team. Players like Chase Hinson look to use their superior size and strength to bully opponents off the ball, especially on those all-important 50/50 type plays.
Dominic Zisa, a junior attacking midfielder, has shown plenty of promise.
“He’s left-footed and super talented,” Fumia said. “Hopefully, he’ll have a really good year. He’s very good with the ball, can play-make and create chances for others.”
Fumia is excited about both of his goalkeepers, Zed Fallside and Leon Sarashki. Either player has the capability to start and Fallside shined against Salinas.
“I have two guys I feel confident about,” Fumia said. “It’s one of those things where we’ll have to see who the starter is or maybe rotate them. We also have three goalkeepers on the JV team we all feel good about, so we’ve got some good goalkeeper depth in the program. Some schools struggle to have one keeper remotely good, but we have a lot of options.”
Isaac and Samuel Tamayo-Sarver, Sam Pearman, Ismael Younis and Michael Mailhot are returning players from last year’s team which finished 3-11-2 overall and 2-8-1 in the De Anza Division. They all look to be a year better and will complement the newcomers as the team comes together.
“We’re right on track,” Fumia said. “We’re building a new program, a new culture, and we’re excited to build something that the kids are excited about.”
Fumia continued: “Our sophomore class is really strong so the future is bright. We have a very good core of young players so we’re excited not only for this year but the future as well.”
