A season to remember: Ayala boys soccer makes history
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — The Ayala High School Boys Varsity Soccer team has made history this season, transforming from a struggling program into undefeated league champions. Under the leadership of Head Coach Eric Long and Assistant Coach Troy Stevens, the team has rewritten the narrative, proving that determination, talent, and teamwork can bring about extraordinary change.
From Rebuilding to Dominating
Just two seasons ago, the program was at a low point, finishing with a dismal 1-15 record. When Coach Long and Coach Stevens took over, they set an ambitious goal: rebuild the program from the ground up. Last season (2023-24), they made the CIF playoffs with a 4-3-3 league record, showing signs of progress. But this year, they aimed even higher鈥攚inning their league outright while going undefeated.
The result? A dominant 17-3-3 overall record and an 8-0-2 league run, something Ayala Boys Soccer had never accomplished before.
鈥淭his was a season to remember,鈥� said team captain Caden Kilde. 鈥淲e made school history as undefeated league champs. The work we put in every day, the chemistry we built, and the moments we created on the field made this year unforgettable.鈥�
While the team fell short of its ultimate goal in CIF playoffs, Kilde sees this as just the beginning. 鈥淲e came up a bit short this year, but we鈥檙e looking forward to winning it all next year and getting a ring in 2026.鈥�
Leadership on and off the Field
The hardest part of the team鈥檚 transformation was changing the mindset. They went from a program accustomed to losing to one that expected to win. That first season was challenging, testing their resilience and character, but it ultimately laid the foundation for their success. This year, they refused to back down, embracing a winning mentality that propelled them to a historic championship.
One of the biggest reasons for the team鈥檚 success this season was strong leadership, both on and off the field. The team’s captains, junior goalkeeper Caden Kilde and sophomore midfielder Max Sumner, set the tone for the squad, pushing their teammates to be the best versions of themselves.
Their leadership wasn鈥檛 just about skill on the field鈥攊t was about resilience. Sumner emphasized that despite falling short in CIF, the journey is far from over.
鈥淲e didn鈥檛 get the ending we wanted, but that doesn鈥檛 define us,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur refusal to stay down is what shows our true colors. Just because we came up short this year doesn鈥檛 mean it鈥檚 the end鈥攊t鈥檚 just another reason to come back stronger.鈥�
Coach Stevens agreed that this is one of the most complete teams he鈥檚 ever coached. 鈥淲e have great players all over the field, and even on our bench,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he challenge is balancing playing time, but knowing we have almost the same team coming back next year is scary good.鈥�
Memorable Moments and Historic Wins
One of the biggest highlights of the season came in the first round of CIF playoffs against Etiwanda High School. Earlier in the year, Etiwanda had edged out Ayala 2-1 in a holiday tournament, leaving the Bulldogs eager for revenge. When it mattered most, Ayala delivered a statement win, dominating the defending CIF champions 6-0.
鈥淭he boys wanted revenge,鈥� said Coach Stevens. 鈥淎nd they couldn鈥檛 have been happier with the result.鈥�
This victory wasn鈥檛 just about advancing in the playoffs鈥攊t was about proving that Ayala belonged on the biggest stage.
Tradition, Hype, and Celebration
With 14 seniors returning next season, the Bulldogs will be one of the more experienced teams in the league. But what sets them apart isn鈥檛 just their talent鈥攊t鈥檚 their culture.
A key part of their pre-game routine is team prayer, a tradition that unites the squad before every match. Team dinners before every home game also play a role in building chemistry, strengthening their bond beyond the field.
鈥淥ur motivation is playing for our school and our community,鈥� said Coach Stevens. 鈥淢aking them proud is what we want.鈥�
When it comes to celebrations, Ayala doesn鈥檛 hold back. Every goal, every win, and every milestone is embraced with passion and energy, whether it鈥檚 on the field, in the locker room, or at team gatherings.
Individual Excellence: League Awards and Recognition
This season鈥檚 success has not gone unnoticed. An incredible 11 players received league awards, highlighting the team鈥檚 depth and skill.
League MVPs:
- Adrian Chavez 鈥� League Offensive MVP
- Caden Kilde 鈥� League Defensive MVP
First Team All-League:
- Daniel Partida
- Julian Chavez
- Ryder Kilde
- Cruz Acosta
- Max Sumner
Second Team All-League:
- Tyler Crismier
- Javier Castaneda
- Richard Milam
- Gianni Mendez
鈥淭hese awards are meaningful because they鈥檙e voted on by other coaches in the league,鈥� explained Coach Stevens. The recognition cements Ayala as a powerhouse in their league and sets the stage for even bigger goals.
Looking Ahead: The Road to CIF Glory
While this season will be remembered as a historic turning point, the Bulldogs are far from satisfied. The bitter taste of their CIF playoff exit has only fueled their hunger for greater success.
鈥淭he motivation for next season has to be the way we lost in CIF this year,鈥� said Coach Stevens. 鈥淭he boys are hungry, and they will use that game as motivation to win it all next year.鈥�
With a band of seniors leading the charge and many key contributors returning, Ayala is poised to defend their league title and make a deep CIF run.
The ultimate goal for 2025-26? Win CIF鈥攕omething the school has never accomplished in boys’ soccer.
As summer approaches, the Bulldogs are already looking ahead, with their summer camp in May serving as a recruiting ground for incoming freshmen and new talent.
The message is clear: Ayala Boys Soccer is here to stay, and the best is yet to come. This season was one for the history books, but if you ask the players and coaches, it鈥檚 only just begun.
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