Boys’ soccer clinched a berth in the NCS tournament by virtue of their 2-1 win over Clayton Valley on February 8.

An early goal from Rupert Dusauzay put the Cougars in the lead.

Later, with the scored tied 1-1, junior Seppi Ortman knocked a free kick from the midfield line into the net to put the Cougars back in the lead for good.

“Tonight was 100% about effort,” said head coach Shane Carney.  Earlier in the season Carney had questioned his team’s level of effort, but the squad appears to be more inspired with the prospect of another playoff run.

“I’m super excited right now, I can’t even talk,” said sophomore Jose Carra-Hernandez following the victory.

“We’ve struggled playing a full 80 minutes,” said senior Andrew Holloway. “Sometimes a lack of effort leads to us giving up a goal.”

The Cougars face Las Lomas on February 10 to finish up regular season play.

In 2016 the boys advanced to the section championships where they lost to De Anza High School of El Sobrante.