The Las Positas College Hawks men’s soccer program enters the 2025 season with momentum, transition and a clear vision under longtime head coach Andrew Cumbo. After finishing last year ranked among the state’s top ten in both goals and assists, the Hawks advanced to the third round of the playoffs with statement wins over San Joaquin Delta (5-1) and top-seeded Evergreen Valley (2-0), before falling to Merced 3-1.
But while last year’s playoff run showed the program’s potential, the offseason quickly brought change. State-leading scorer and junior college Division III Player of the Year, Saul Tecle, departed to compete at the Division I level. Standout midfielder Frank Hinostroza, who paced the Hawks in assists and ranked second in goals, left the team due to personal reasons, though he has expressed interest in returning in the future.
“It’s tough,” Cumbo admitted. “You don’t have a lot of experience at this level. This is definitely a big task, but we’re doing all we can to serve our student-athletes here.”
New Faces, New Leadership
The turnover leaves just five returners on this year’s roster. To fill the void, the Hawks leaned on redshirts and transfers from nearby programs. Midfielder Elijah Hanley joins from Delta College, while winger Mick Carson and forward Zubin Wahidi come from Chabot. All three have already made an impact in the early matches.
Still, the heart of the team lies with its three sophomore captains: defender Angel Rondon, midfielder Arteen Arianmanesh and goalkeeper Sahib Sandhu. Each played important minutes last season and will now be relied on to set the tone for a group largely made up of newcomers.
“Our captains are key players for us,” Cumbo said. “They’re leaders on different lines of the field, so we have good leadership throughout.”
A Veteran at the Helm
Now entering his 25th year of coaching and his 10th season at Las Positas, Cumbo’s passion for the game has not wavered despite managing the heavy workload of both the men’s and women’s programs.
“I still love coaching and I love working with players at this level,” Cumbo said. “Soccer opened up a lot of doors in my life, and once my playing career ended, I knew I wanted to give back. It’s a service to the game and an opportunity for these young men and women to grow.”
A former four-year starter and captain at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Cumbo has carried the lessons from his playing days into his coaching philosophy. That includes valuing the goalkeeper position, which is a focal point of his staff. Assistant coach Carlos Moreno, a former standout at Cal State East Bay, works closely with the Hawks’ keepers — a group Cumbo says faces unique challenges.
“A goalkeeper can make one mistake and all eyes are on them,” Cumbo said. “It’s such a demanding position, but we make sure they know how much we value them.”
Hot Start to the Season
The Hawks opened their 2025 campaign on Aug. 26 with a gritty 2-1 comeback win over Feather River. Goals from Dayton Dillman and Keagan Monnier, along with strong defensive play led by captain Angel Rondon, set the tone for the season. Three days later, the Hawks followed up with another 2-1 victory over Siskiyous behind two goals from Monnier.
“This year is going to be different,” Arianmanesh said. “We’re going to come in hot, and the chemistry is perfect.”
Cumbo believes chemistry will be crucial as his new-look team develops.
“I spend a tremendous amount of time building the foundation of who we are as a program,” he said. “That’s super time-consuming, but it’s what helps us click early in the season.”
Building for the Future
At the junior college level, constant roster turnover is expected, but Cumbo embraces the challenge. Many of his players once dreamed of competing at higher levels but slipped through the cracks. His goal is to help them accept their current opportunity and use it as a springboard.
“The majority of my players never dreamed of playing here,” Cumbo said. “But I want them to make the most of this opportunity, grow and develop. That’s what this program is all about.”
With a promising mix of transfers, captains and young talent, the Hawks are determined to write another deep playoff story — one that could push Las Positas soccer further into the state spotlight.
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Top photo: Hadi Jaber, No. 9, celebrates with Arteen Arianmanesh, No. 11. The two combined for three goals in the Hawks’ 6-0 win over Cerro Coso. (Photo by Alan Lewis/ Special to The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJoseAnnie.
