River Valley High Boys Varsity Soccer: A Season of Transformation, Unity, and Promise
The 2024-2025 soccer season at River Valley High School was nothing short of a remarkable turnaround, signaling a new era for a program hungry to reclaim its competitive edge. Taking the helm as Head Coach for the first time, Kevin Moore guided a once-struggling team to a near-championship finish — a feat that exceeded expectations and energized the River Valley community.
In this season recap, Coach Moore opens up about the key players who propelled the team forward, the challenges overcome, and the bright future that lies ahead for River Valley Boys Varsity Soccer.
Key Contributors: Leadership On and Off the Field
At the core of River Valley’s resurgence were three senior leaders whose performances and dedication shaped the team’s identity and success.
Senior Diego Ulloa, the team’s talisman, operated as the central midfielder, orchestrating the tempo of every game. More than just a playmaker, Diego was a two-way force, scoring goals, assisting teammates, and diligently tracking back to help on defense. Coach Moore calls him “an extension of myself on the field” and the undeniable MVP of the team.
Senior Benjamin Barriga, playing center back, was the defensive rock upon whom the team’s confidence was built. His composure under pressure and ability to command a high defensive line allowed the midfielders and forwards the freedom to attack aggressively. “Benji was instrumental in our defensive structure,” says Moore, “he always cleaned up behind the line and kept us stable.”
Senior Alex Navarette showed tremendous adaptability by shifting from his natural role as a central midfielder to striker, where he thrived. Alex led the team in goals and was second in the league’s goal-scoring charts. His clutch finishes kept River Valley competitive in numerous tight games, proving his value in front of the goal.
Together, these seniors forged the foundation on which the team’s success was built, blending skill, intelligence, and leadership.
From Bottom to Contenders: A Season Overview
River Valley’s journey was a dramatic leap from last place in their league the previous year to finishing second in the league this season under Coach Moore’s guidance.
“We only lost to one team all season — Roseville — and beat our crosstown rivals Yuba City twice,” Moore highlights. The team went undefeated in preseason play, defeating respected programs like Chico and Pleasant Valley, setting the tone for the competitive season ahead.
The playoff run was particularly special: the team won their first home playoff game in eight years, convincingly beating Vanden 3-1. However, their postseason hopes ended in heartbreak with a narrow 1-0 loss to Roseville in the quarterfinals. “We felt we outplayed them and should have won,” Moore recalls. Roseville went on to claim the Section Championship, leaving River Valley both proud and hungry for more.
Defining Moments: The Turning Point
A key moment that defined the season came early during the preseason against Chico High School. Despite missing several senior starters—Benji, Diego, and another key senior—due to injuries and vacations, River Valley played with remarkable unity and discipline.
“With zero subs on the bench, our 11 players were organized and dedicated, and we beat Chico 1-0 shorthanded,” Moore remembers. This unexpected victory gave the coaching staff and the team a glimpse of what was possible when everyone bought in as one.
“This was the turning point,” Moore stresses. “The seniors who missed that game had to buy into what we were doing. Winning without them showed we needed to work as a cohesive unit.”
Emerging Stars: Growth in the Ranks
Beyond the seniors, several underclassmen grew into vital roles by the end of the season.
Junior Cristian Ayala and Julio Hernandez, both of whom had tasted success on the junior varsity team under Coach Moore the previous year, transitioned seamlessly into varsity starters.
Sophomore Angel Guzman, another product of the JV system, proved indispensable by season’s end.
“These players understood the style and system we wanted to play and became key contributors,” Moore notes.
Rising to Challenges: A Team of Resilience
River Valley’s program, smaller in size compared to many rivals, faced inherent challenges. A limited roster meant injuries hit hard, but the team’s system and culture enabled them to overcome these obstacles.
“We view pressure as a privilege,” Coach Moore explains. “Our players didn’t have much success the prior year, so they embraced every moment, every challenge.”
Despite injuries and suspensions, the bench players stepped in and performed effectively when called upon.
The toughest blow was the playoff loss to Roseville, a game River Valley felt they dominated but couldn’t close out. “That was a tough pill to swallow,” Moore admits, “but it fuels our motivation going forward.”
Senior Class: The Heartbeat of the Team
This year’s senior class brought more than just skill; they delivered leadership, energy, and belief.
“These seniors were outstanding once they bought into our collective vision,” Moore says. “They had to be vulnerable to accept that success was possible, and when they did, we became very difficult to beat.”
With five seniors committing to college soccer programs, the leadership they provided set a new standard for River Valley. Their departure will leave a gap, but the culture they helped build will endure.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
Coach Moore is enthusiastic about the future, with a talented returning core of juniors and sophomores ready to take the reins.
Notable returning starters include Miguel Ortiz, Ulysses Franco, Rigoberto Garcia, Marcus Cruz, Cristian Ayala, and Julio Hernandez. Among the younger players, freshman Gerardo “Diego” Gonzalez already made varsity and is expected to be a starter next season alongside sophomore Angel Guzman.
Moore is particularly proud of the alignment between varsity and JV programs.
“Our JV coach, Javi Fernandez, runs the same system as varsity. We’re truly one program, and that continuity bodes well for the future.”
Offseason Focus: Cultivating Excellence
The offseason goal is not just physical improvement but fostering a culture of accountability and dedication.
“We need to improve grades (laughs), but more seriously, we want to cultivate a culture where players treat practice with importance and don’t skip,” Moore shares.
Their motto—“Effort is a skill”—permeates every aspect of their training and mindset. It reflects a commitment to working hard, mastering fundamentals, and preparing to win.
Most importantly, Coach Moore wants to finally reach the pinnacle: “Personally, I want to win a Sectional title.”
Follow the Warriors’ Journey
Fans eager to follow River Valley Boys Varsity Soccer’s progress and statistics can find up-to-date info on MaxPreps.com.
Conclusion
River Valley High’s 2024-2025 Boys Varsity Soccer season was a story of transformation. From a last-place finish the previous year to a fierce contender knocking on the door of sectional glory, the team embodied resilience, unity, and belief.
With a strong senior leadership core, a growing crop of underclassmen, and a culture focused on effort and teamwork, the Warriors are well-positioned to chase championships in the years to come.
Coach Kevin Moore’s first season set a new standard at River Valley High, and the future has never looked brighter.
, but more seriously, we want to cultivate a culture where players treat practice with importance and don’t skip,” Moore shares.
Their motto—“Effort is a skill”—permeates every aspect of their training and mindset. It reflects a commitment to working hard, mastering fundamentals, and preparing to win.
Most importantly, Coach Moore wants to finally reach the pinnacle: “Personally, I want to win a Sectional title.”
Follow the Warriors’ Journey
Fans eager to follow River Valley Boys Varsity Soccer’s progress and statistics can find up-to-date info on MaxPreps.com.
Conclusion
River Valley High’s 2024-2025 Boys Varsity Soccer season was a story of transformation. From a last-place finish the previous year to a fierce contender knocking on the door of sectional glory, the team embodied resilience, unity, and belief.
With a strong senior leadership core, a growing crop of underclassmen, and a culture focused on effort and teamwork, the Warriors are well-positioned to chase championships in the years to come.
Coach Kevin Moore’s first season set a new standard at River Valley High, and the future has never looked brighter.){kind=tracking}
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