The boys’ varsity soccer team showed why it won the Div. VII section title last year, scoring five first-half goals in a 6-0 rout of Jim Elliot Christian, Sept. 18.

Juniors Calvin Fernandez and Chris Lopez each scored two goals, and Brad Antognini and Miles Bennett-Smith each scored one.

The game may have been a playoff preview, as Country Day defeated the Elliot Eagles in the section semifinals last year. Coach Matt Vargo believes that the Eagles will make the playoffs again.

The Cavaliers’ next home game is Friday, Oct. 5, against Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League (SMAL) opponent Trinity Prep.

Vargo said that the Cavaliers (8-4) are “one of the favorites” to win the section. He believes that their toughest competition will come from Faith Christian (3-4-4), who will once again battle SCDS for the SMAL title, and Big Valley Christian (7-2-1).

The players are also entering the season with very high expectations. Co-captain senior Jared Gorton believes that the team’s chances of a repeat are high.

“We’re not just aiming for the playoffs anymore; we’re aiming for a title,” Gorton said. He said that last year’s title was the highlight of his 11-year career, but a title this year would be even better.

Gorton said that this year’s team may be even better than last year’s. “We return the core of our defense, and our scoring options are a lot better,” he said.

An important loss from last year’s team is 1st Team All-League goalie Mikel Follette, ‘07. However, Vargo is confident that junior Austin Walter will perform well in Follette’s absence. “He’s gonna really help us out,” Vargo said.

Walter sustained a head injury during a JV game last year that caused him to miss much of the season. Although he now wears a soft helmet in goal to protect his head, he is unfazed and excited by starting at goalie on a team with such high expectations.

“It feels good to finally be the varsity goalie. I’ve been waiting for the last two years,” Walter said.

The team returns most of its defense, led by sweeper Gorton, and senior fullback Nik Cvetich. It also returns 1st Team All-Leaguers Fernandez and Bennett-Smith, who led the team with 13 goals after the Elliot game.

Country Day plays non-league St. Mary’s (Oregon) on the Ashland trip before diving into league play with a game at New Life Christian, Thursday, Oct. 4.

Vargo is excited about the season. “Every season has its own challenges; that’s what makes it fun,” he said.