PVHS Boys Varsity Soccer are having a historic season, boasting a current record of 17-2-0 in all competitions with 53 goals scored as of Jan. 26. They lead the Bay League with four wins from four league games, trailed by Redondo Union.
MaxPreps currently ranks them the no.1 Varsity Boys Soccer program statewide, and they are sat in the no. 3 spot nationwide.
Their first matchup against Mira Costa was long-fought, decided only after PV found triumph in double overtime.
“We hadn’t beaten Costa since 2021. We hadn’t beaten them at their place since 2017. We had to believe we were the better team, because it’s easy to get caught up in psychology when you haven’t beaten a team in a long time,” Coach Derek Larkins said.
The Black-and-Red’s trophy dream was realized in the South Tournament final in a 2-1 win against Redondo Union. Having won the prior four matches comfortably, they carried their momentum into the championship, defeating their rival to clinch the South title for the first time in a decade.
“We just needed to make plays. Both teams were tired because it was their fifth game in four days, and Redondo, if you look at the Bay League rankings, is right up there with us. We looked at that as a good opportunity to prove ourselves against a great opponent, and try to win a tournament,” Larkins said.
The team’s common values have unified them throughout the season, motivating them to overcome every obstacle.
“You’re going to believe in yourself, you’re going to believe in your teammates. As we say in our program, ‘believe in your guys,” Larkins said. “Our motto this year is, ‘Be Yourself, Be, Legendary.’”
Notably, assistant coach Aidan Wait serves as the team’s tactical engine. In just his second season at PV, his strategic innovation and guidance has had a significant positive impact on the team’s performance.
“I think part of what makes them so good is the coaching staff of the team. They make sure everyone is ready, encourage and hype up players, and teach them new strategies to beat their opponents,” freshman Evan Cressey said.
Alongside Larkins and Wait are assistant coaches Matthew McNab and Chris Wilson. Together, the staff empower every individual to thrive and take leadership; creating the collage of vibrant personalities and playstyles that make the team so unique in its identity.
“LT Armijo has stepped into his role as one of our captains this year, along with Willie Knotek and Tucker Malinofsky. LT is our energy leader, Willie is our lead by example guy, and Tucker is our spiritual leader,” said Larkins.
“There’s just a lot of guys who lead in their own really nuanced ways. Roko Albano just does all of the little things right. Ian Alonzo is a workhorse… Henry Ammons is wise beyond his years, I could go down the list.”
This leadership has cultivated a healthy and positive team dynamic, which has allowed players of all backgrounds to feel connected to each other and truly at home within the brotherhood of the program.
“My experience guesting with varsity was amazing, everyone treated me with respect and dignity,” said Cressey.
“Part of their success is the players’ relationships with each other. If a teammate makes a mistake, they encourage him instead of snapping at him. If the opposition scores, they uplift each other and fight back harder to put one in.”
Approaching the end of Bay League and the transition into CIF playoffs, the boys are fired up and ready.
They will be carrying a team emphasis on energy into the later stages of the season, even reinforcing their mindset by reading The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon as a team.
“And then, you know, knock on wood when we get to the playoffs. We’ve always said, ‘survive and advance’, but I’d like to have a little more ‘thrive and advance’ this year, because this team is capable of doing amazing things,” said Larkins.
This year’s group has placed Sea King Soccer on the map like never before. Going forward, with the support of their entire school behind them, there is nothing they can not accomplish.