Clayton Valley's Quiet But Deadly Striker

"He's the total teammate."

That's how Clayton Valley boys soccer coach Rory Gentry describes his speedy, technically gifted striker, Kevin Sanchez. On Saturday, in the most important match of the season, Sanchez led his teammates to the next round of the North Coast Section playoffs.

In a first half scramble in front of the goal, Sanchez kicked in the match's only goal, leading to advance the Eagles to the North Coast Section semifinals.

For his performance, Sanchez is this week's Clayton Patch Athlete of the Week.

But Sachez's contribution to his team goes far beyond one match and he's been a quiet leader for the team all season.

"He's always asking the coaching staff how he could improve," Gentry said. "The kid is amazing."

Sanchez struggles with English, but the junior receives translation assistance from teammates if something isn't clear. It's his work ethic, though, that makes him a critical ingredient to the Eagles success this season.

"He works really hard in training," Clayton Valley defender Christian Pedraza said. "He's a key player for us. I don't know where we would be without him."

Where Clayton Valley is now is two matches away from the NCS championship. Its next match is Wednesday when the Eagles, seeded No. 6 in Division I, travel to play No. 2-seeded Newark Memorial at 7 p.m.

When asked how it felt to advance so far in the playoffs, Sanchez said through a translator, "Happiness. I just give thanks to God."