James Rogers – also featured in the Eagle Scout picture on page 17 – is one of four co-captains for the Miramonte boys’ soccer team, which got off to a strong start in the Diablo Athletic League season. That powerful opening included a dramatic win over archrival Campolindo, and a rematch of that game is set for Feb. 7.
The crowd stormed the field at Lamorinda Soccer Day. With tacos in hand and packed crowds lining the bleachers, Miramonte High School’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams delivered wins over crosstown rival Campolindo all day long, furthering their seasons’ tones of unity and
drive.
“All three levels on the boys side have had really good success on the field,” Athletic Director Sean Hennessy said. “The girls are fairly young and should improve as the season progresses.”
Boys’ soccer
Miramonte has had a strong start to the season, posting a 5 – 1 overall record and going 3 – 1 in league play. The only loss came against Ygnacio Valley, and their most dominant win came in a 9-0 sweep of Oakland High.
In the thrilling Campolindo victory, junior Graham Jenkins scored the decisive second-half goal from the 40-yard line, or, in the words of the announcer, “downtown Moraga.” On top of that, the goal came with the Mats a man down.
“They’re all excited to play… [and] very dedicated,” coach Masood Ahmadi said. “But what sets them truly apart is that they have a belief in each other. There’s no animosity towards anybody. Whereas before, people were skeptical of this or that …[it’s] exciting to see.”
That camaraderie is fostered by veteran leadership.
Seniors James Rogers, Joaquin Fitzsimmons and Marco Parramon-Arcos, along with junior Jenkins, serve as captains for a team that returned four all-league players from last year. Parramon-Arcos currently leads the team in scoring, averaging one goal per game.
With 10 matches remaining – including another one against Campolindo on Feb. 7 – the Matadors are focused on a deeper postseason run after falling in the first round of North Coast Section (NCS) last year.
“The goals this season for our team are to get further in the NCS bracket,” said junior Adesh Sivakumar, “and to beat Campo.”
Girls’ soccer
The Mats’ varsity soccer team is building toward its goal of taking league with an eagerness to learn and work together.
After finishing last season among the top eight teams in Division I of NCS, as of Jan. 14, the Matadors sit at 2–3–1 overall and are tied for third in the Diablo Athletic League.
At Lamorinda Soccer Day, the Mats took down Campolindo 4-1 in the biggest win of the season.
Junior Inara Inesi, who is committed to Johns Hopkins University, leads the team with an average of 1.3 goals per game, but for sophomore Sasha Obnial, the team’s chemistry stands out. “We all get along really well,” Obnial said. “On the field, we play together really well, and our defense is really strong.”
That sense of unity extends across levels. Junior varsity coach D’Angelo Morales emphasized that Miramonte girls’ soccer operates as one program.
“This program is a community,” Morales said. “All teams are playing for the same badge and striving towards the same goals. It’s really been the ladies that have made that statement and attitude true. No matter their backgrounds or the level, they’ve all come to play and represent the Miramonte Matadors.”
As the season continues, the Mats are adjusting to a new formation and focusing on finishing matches.
“This season the ladies have come together and built chemistry incredibly fast,” said Morales. “They have put everything in towards the goals.”
Contributing Writer Rory Gaarder-Wang can be reached at rorygaarderwang@gmail.com.
