Fountain Valley High School boys soccer is ready to ring in the new year with the start of Sunset Conference/ Wave League games.
After a successful 4-2 Wave League record and a bid to the first round of CIF last year, the Barons are hungry to build on that success.
This year’s captains, Zach Groff (defense), Stone Bakx (midfield), and Micah Yanez (forward) are expected to lead the way for a younger team that is loaded with talent. Yanez, a senior, is a 3-year varsity player while Groff and Bakx, both juniors, are in their second year on varsity.
This is coach Jason Smith’s 26th year as head coach of the program, and he said he is excited to help the Barons get back into the CIF Playoffs.
The Barons purposely scheduled a tough preseason lineup against several Division 1 schools to prepare for league. Several of the games were very competitive losses by only one goal with a win against St. John Bosco.
“To prepare for the Sunset League, I feel it is important to play some of the top teams around during our preseason to make sure we are ready,” Smith said.
Smith and his team have high expectations. “We have a solid core returning from last season with some playoff experience,” he said.
With depth at all positions and strong goalkeeping from sophomore Jacob Stevens and junior Jacob Lemmons, the team is focused on facing tough competition. Junior varsity and frosh/soph are also expected to be strong contenders as well.
The Barons junior varsity is looking to defend its league title going into the new season.
The Barons are supported by their Boosters Club, which organizes many of the program activities off the field and in the community while leading fundraising efforts.
Dine-outs at local restaurants, a booth at the FV Tree Lighting and team pasta nights are just a few of the activities providing player bonding while raising money for the program.
“This soccer program would not be possible without the donations by our amazing soccer families along with the several fundraising events that happen throughout the school year,” said Boosters President Scott Yanez. “Equally important would be the involvement of our parents volunteering their time, whether they are part of the Boosters or just stepping up to help with specific events. We would not have such a successful program without our supportive parents.”
League games begin Jan. 3. The full schedule for all levels is available at www. FVHSboyssoccer.com or on the team’s Instagram profile, FVHSboyssoccer.