After losing in the first round of the CIF playoffs last year, breaking its three year hold on the league title, the Diamond Bar High School varsity boys soccer team is looking to regain its title as Palomares League Champions.

Starting off the season with a scrimmage against DBHS soccer alumni, the team showed its potential by winning 2-1. During the scrimmage, head coach Kemp Wells kept an eye on the players to determine their positions on the team. Senior Mohamad Abboushi made both of the goals during the game, and is the leading offensive player this season, according to Wells.

“The one who has probably stepped up the most is Mohamad Abboushi because we lost so many forwards that scored so many goals from last year’s team,” Wells said.

With the team losing quite a few seniors, including four captains from last year, Wells hopes the returning players are ready to lead the team. Abboushi and Tony Didonato will be tasked with running the offense, while three-year starter and captain, Anthony Vasquez will anchor the center back for defense. Two returning players, Bryan Becerra, and Josh Bortis, will also be active as midfielders.

“The midfield [is] the strength of our team due to the returning players,” Wells said.

With Claremont winning CIF last year, the players are looking to take back their title after finishing second in league, with an overall record of 17-6-2.

So far in the preseason, the team played to a 1-1 tie against La Serna, won their second game 2-1 against Alta Loma, and tied their third game 0-0 against Lakeside. The team will be going up against Wilson High School today at home.

“We are conditioning hard and trying to be serious and focused during practice,” first year varsity player sophomore Nicholas Wong said.

In order to put their hopes into action, Wells implemented new drills into their practice to help the players in their techniques. As a team, they are practicing more corner kicks and free kick plays in order to strengthen their aim.

The 10 returning players and 16 starters are actively training for upcoming games, regardless of who plays in the matches. Although the players plan on winning league and CIF, the first step is to show up to practice and work hard, according to Wells.

“Whether we win or lose, everyone can take pride that they played their best,” Wells said.