The Cleveland girls soccer team has a strong senior class and a plethora of freshman talent, which makes it easy to think about the future of the program and all the changes that could come.
However, there’s one consistent quality through the seasons that makes Cleveland what it is.
“Physical grit is really what has led to the success,” Cleveland head coach Greg Ibach said. “We still have it. People want to play for Cleveland. People are excited to play for Cleveland.”
The Cavaliers shook up the West Valley League standings on Wednesday night when they handed Granada Hills Charter its first league loss of the season, beating the Highlanders 3-2 on a penalty kick.
Cleveland (13-2-3 overall, 7-1 league) had a 2-0 lead by halftime before Granada Hills (8-4-2, 6-1) made adjustments during the break and netted two goals in the second half. A handball penalty late in the game gave the Cavaliers a penalty kick and Alexa Monge scored the game-winner.
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“It gives them so much confidence,” Ibach said. “Granada is the best team in the (City Section) and for them to match up and be able to have a lead on them and battle through the adversity of them scoring twice — there was so much growth.”
Granada Hills won a CIF SoCal Regional championship last season and has tied talented teams like the Foothill League’s Hart and the Mission League’s Notre Dame.
The Highlanders also beat Cleveland 2-1 in mid-January. They scored on a penalty kick within the first 15 seconds of the game, then used their speed and defensive abilities to stay ahead.
“The first time we played Granada we were really nervous,” Ibach said.
Part of the reason is that the Cavaliers are young. The starting lineup is an equal mix of seniors and freshmen, including Brielle Dunn, a standout midfielder who brings a physical presence and scoring ability to the team.
Forward Namoi Sweeney, goalkeeper Adelaide Souza (.700 GAA), outside back Bijou Bolton and center back Alexa Monge are all seniors who play important roles in establishing the present and future of Cleveland girls soccer.
Junior center forward Yesenia Gomez is also a natural goal-scorer and averages 1.3 goals per game in addition to recording 24 points. Sophomore midfielder Amber Ramirez is averaging 1.2 assists per game and follows Gomez with 19 points this season.
“This is just the best we’ve ever been on the ball,” Ibach said. “Now that we brought these freshmen in that can really control the game, mixing it with just the Cleveland signature grit has really elevated us.”
Beating Granada Hills has given Cleveland a boost of confidence and moved the Cavaliers closer to their goal of winning a West Valley League championship. They beat El Camino Real to win a CIF L.A. City Section Division 1 championship last season and could be serious contenders in the Open Division this season.
Their biggest goal is to have a lengthy run in the CIF state playoffs.
“We have to continue to get better each game and continue to grow from the learning moments,” Ibach said. “Cleveland is still on the rise. We have not arrived, and the ceiling is still high.”