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Hawks finish first at Pitman tourney for fourth straight year
New-look CV squad compiles 3-0-1 record
ALopez.tiff
Central Valley midfielder Angel Lopez (8) delivers a pass to a Hawk teammate at the Pitman varsity boys soccer tournament last week. Lopez scored two goals in four games. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

It's become an annual tradition for Central Valley High School's varsity boys soccer program.

The Hawks finished in first place at the Pitman Pride Cup for the fourth year in a row.

"The kids were eager," Central Valley head coach Omar Leon said. "We've been practicing for a month and a half. I was very impressed with the performance. We knew it was going to be tough. It's a competitive tournament every year."

The new-look Hawks collected three wins and one tie in Group E at the Pitman tourney.

Central Valley outscored its opponents, 12-2.

The Hawks posted two shutouts.

"A lot of people are asking us what we're going to do without Ozzie (Ramos) and Omar (Orozco)," Leon said. "This is a new group. The kids are eager to write their own story."

Ramos and Orozco were lost to graduation. Ozzie and Omar led the 2013 Hawks to a program-best 26-2-0 overall record. Central Valley won its sixth straight league title and participated in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. The Hawks also qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section finals for the fourth time in five years.

"It's a different group," Leon said. "The kids are very motivated. They know the expectations."

Central Valley beat Beyer (5-1) and Golden Valley (4-0) on Saturday.

Jesus Sanchez, Angel Lopez, Juan Martinez, Jorge Bustos and Damian Soltero all scored one goal against Beyer.

Hawk goalkeeper Ramon Ruiz totaled three saves.

Hector Mendoza had two goals versus Golden Valley.

Bustos and Osvaldo Yepez contributed one goal each.

Ruiz made five saves.

Central Valley shut out Buhach Colony (2-0) and tied Oakdale (1-1) on Friday.

Lopez and Angel Aguilar finished with one goal apiece against Buhach Colony.

Martinez scored versus Oakdale.

"We played as a team," Leon said while assessing his team's overall performance. "The kids stepped up."

The Hawks continued their run of dominance at the Pitman tournament.

"I'm not surprised," Leon said. "I'm happy. They were up for the challenge. Hopefully, they stay consistent."

Central Valley will play at Turlock on Wednesday (7 p.m.) and Downey on Thursday (3:30 p.m.)

"We're just starting," Leon said. "We have a long ways to go. We're still working on our formation."