Comeback Captain Jose Valencia Leads No. 19 Las Positas Soccer

In Livermore, Las Positas College men's soccer captain Jose Valencia has overcome a senior-year high school kneecap injury to help lead the Hawks to a No. 19 national ranking and a 4-1-2 surge across their first 7 matches in October, according to a profile by Matt Schwab in The Independent.

A left-footed left back who developed in the Tri-Valley with Mustang Soccer in Danville — competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) and the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) — Valencia played 3 varsity seasons at Benicia High School and originally planned to play at Cal State University, East Bay. After tearing his kneecap during his senior year, he completed a grueling 9-to-10-month rehabilitation and connected with Las Positas head coach Andy Cumbo.

25-2 Goal Differential in October and 6-0 Win Over Foothill

During their first 7 matches in October, the Hawks posted a 4-1-2 record while outscoring opponents by a combined 25-2 margin, improving to 7-6-3 overall and 4-3-2 in the Coast Conference-North Division and rising to No. 19 in the national rankings.

While anchoring a defensive back line dealing with injuries, Valencia has contributed 4 goals — including 2 game-winning tallies — and 2 assists this season, highlighted by a 2-goal performance in a 6-0 victory over Foothill on Oct. 6.

Leadership Under Coach Andy Cumbo

Supported by his father Marco, a former player who encouraged his son's focus on the sport, and inspired over the summer by the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico (where Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the Final), Valencia has grown into a vocal team captain while studying business administration and preparing to transfer to a four-year university program.

Head coach Andy Cumbo — who brings more than 25 years of California collegiate head coaching experience, including 15 years at the NCAA Division 2 level and 10 years at the community-college level — has guided Las Positas to the postseason in every season of his tenure and praised Valencia's work ethic and leadership on and off the pitch.