The CIF Southern Section boys and girls soccer semifinals are set for Saturday, with several San Gabriel Valley teams vying for a spot in their respective championship games. Bishop Amat, coming off a successful run to the Division 1 championship and CIF State Division 2 regional title last season, will host Citrus Hills in a Division 2 boys’ matchup.
Bishop Amat (23-4-3) has been defensively stout throughout the playoffs, achieving three consecutive 1-0 shutouts to reach the semifinals. Junior Noah Guillen scored the decisive overtime goal in a 1-0 second-round victory over Ayala, even as Sebastian Saucedo netted the lone goal in the quarterfinal win against Culver City. They will face Citrus Hills (16-2-4), who defeated Patriot 4-1 in the quarterfinals, led by sophomore Emiliano Guillermo’s 13 goals on the season. Despite Citrus Hills’ offensive firepower, Amat’s home-field advantage is expected to be a significant factor.
In Division 7 boys’ action, Cerritos (16-4-2) will travel to Pasadena Poly (15-5-1). Pasadena Poly is seeking a return to the championship game after falling short last season, fueled by the strong play of junior Momo Tonthat, who delivered a hat trick in a crucial 3-2 playoff victory over Flintridge Prep. Cerritos will be a tough opponent, still, as Pasadena Poly has not allowed a goal in the playoffs, winning all three games by a score of 2-0.
Rio Hondo Prep (15-5-1) is making its first-ever appearance in the soccer semifinals, and they’ll be on the road against Ojai’s Thacher (13-6-1) in Division 8. A unique aspect of the Kares’ success is their roster, comprised of ten starters from the school’s CIF-SS Division 5 championship-winning football team, including star running back Noah Penunuri, now playing as a defensive midfielder. Easton Jara, the team’s kicker during the football season, leads the team in scoring.
On the girls’ side, Ayala (12-7-3) will visit undefeated San Marino (19-0-1) in a Division 2 semifinal. San Marino has dominated the playoffs, outscoring opponents 8-1, with junior Sofia Rodriguez (23 goals) and freshman Quinn McReynolds (20 goals) leading the attack. Ayala finished second in the Palomares League and has as well been strong defensively, posting an 8-0 goal differential in the playoffs. This match is considered a toss-up.
Bonita (17-4-1) will host Long Beach Millikan (14-4-1) in another Division 2 semifinal. Bonita’s offense is spearheaded by Haley Kurey (16 goals) and Abigail Coppolo (12 goals), who both scored in their 2-0 quarterfinal win over ML King. Millikan survived a penalty shootout in the second round and defeated Warren 1-0 to advance.
Arcadia (16-6-2) faces San Jacinto (12-2-4) in a Division 4 semifinal. The Apaches have advanced through two penalty shootouts, including a marathon 7-6 win in the quarterfinals, demonstrating their resilience in tight contests. San Jacinto also advanced after winning a penalty shootout, beating Patriot 4-3 after a 1-1 tie.
Azusa (16-2-4) will host Carpinteria Cate (7-5-3) in a Division 7 semifinal. Azusa reached the semifinals after winning a penalty shootout against San Gabriel, while Cate has been dominant offensively, outscoring opponents 12-1 in the playoffs.
Finally, in Division 8, Mountain View (10-8-2) will travel to Sherman Oaks Buckley (10-6-1). Mountain View has won every playoff round by a two-goal margin, while Buckley has allowed just one goal in the playoffs.
