The Hawks have kicked off the 2025 season without the midfielder expected to be their best player. Frank Hinostroza, the returning sophomore who figured to be central in the Hawks’ hopes to get back to the playoffs, is no longer on the roster. For now.
What happened is a mystery. When reached for comment, Hinostroza — the second-leading scorer on last year’s squad, which pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Las Positas history last November — said his departure was due to “personal issues.”
But his absence may not be permanent.
“I’m not currently on any team,” Hinostroza said via direct message to The Express, “but I’m doing everything possible to return to Las Positas for another year.”
The Hawks’ best player from last season, Saul Tecle, was good enough to get a Division I scholarship after just one season with Las Positas. He now plays for UC Davis. Tecle finished with 27 goals, tied for the most in California. The Robin to Tecle’s Batman was Hinostroza, who finished with 12 goals and a team-high nine assists.
In the 2024 3C2A Playoffs, the Hawks knocked off top-seeded Evergreen Valley 2-0. Hinostroza scored both goals. It was revenge for the Hawks’ 4-2 loss to Evergreen Valley a month earlier.
“My experience at Las Positas was extremely good, even though I didn’t speak English,” Hinostroza said. “I was always well received by my teammates and coaches.”
But Hinostroza was quietly not on the roster when the Hawks began the season. Losing him figures to change their prospects for the season. After finishing 13-8-4 in 2024, the Hawks were in position to be dominant in 2025. But losing their best two players changes the expectations.
Las Positas are off to a 2-0 start, with 2-1 wins over Feather River and Siskiyous. Freshman forward Keagan Monnier scored three of the Hawks’ four goals in the first two games.
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Top photo: Frank Hinostraza in possession of the ball in a home game at the Nest against Lake Tahoe on Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Luke Vavuris/ The Express)
Annie Moore is the Sports Editor of The Express. Follow her on X @SanJoseAnnie.
