Barba was named the MVP of the Diablo Athletic League’s Valley Division, after leading the Minutemen to a second-place finish in the division and a berth in the Division II quarterfinals.

The sophomore standout finished the year with 20 goals and eight assists, including a hat trick in an early-season match against Campolindo, and contributions to both goals in a non-league win over perennial power Richmond.

Barba was also a force down the stretch, scoring in six of seven matches late in the season, including a combined seven goals in the last four games of the regular season. In the first round of the playoffs against Redwood, Barba notched an assist on one of the Minutemen’s two goals, advancing the team to the quarterfinals.

Other players considered for this award: Pinole Valley’s Edwin Montoya, University’s Max Edelstein, and Irvington’s Armon Olaee.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS soccer.