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Freedom's Alberto Padilla is the NCS Freshman of the Year.
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NCS Freshman of the Year
ALBERTO PADILLA, FREEDOM
Freshman Alberto Padilla arrived at the right time for the Freedom boys’ soccer team this past winter, fresh off a year in which the Falcons had won 20 games but then took heavy losses due to graduation. In stepped Padilla, who promptly led the team in goals scored and helped carry them to another North Coast Section playoff berth.
Padilla’s impact was evident from the very start of the season, as the freshman scored the game-winning goal in his first varsity match, a 1-0 victory over Pinole Valley. His second match presented a bigger challenge, facing perennial EBAL stalwart Amador Valley, yet he responded with a goal and an assist in a big 3-1 victory.
Over the course of the season, the first-year high school player continued to impress in the biggest moments. Padilla scored Freedom’s only goal in a loss to eventual NCS Division I finalist Monte Vista, and notched key assists in wins over San Leandro and Concord. But his best stretch of soccer was reserved for Bay Valley Athletic League competition.
During a three-match stretch in mid-January, Padilla found the back of the net each time out, and Freedom reaped the rewards of his ability to score. The first goal was the only tally during a 1-1 tie with Antioch, and goals in the next two matches helped pave the way for victories over Heritage and Liberty. He later capped an outstanding freshman season with a hat trick against Antioch, as the Falcons rolled past the Panthers in their second meeting.
By the time all was said and done, Padilla had totaled 12 goals and five assists, and was recognized with being placed on the All-BVAL first-team, a rare honor for a freshman player.
For his efforts throughout the season, we are pleased to honor Alberto Padilla as our North Coast Section Freshman of the Year.
Other players considered for this award include Clayton Valley’s Isaac Morfin, Irvington’s Yahir Gonzalez, Piedmont’s Ben Marshburn, and Ygnacio Valley’s Diego Ramos.
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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.
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