For nearly a decade, a group of Central Valley girls have grown together on the soccer field — not just learning how to win games, but how to trust, lead, and support each other like family.

Their hard work and resilience culminated on July 24 when the under-14 California Odyssey team, based in Clovis, captured a U.S. Club Soccer national championship in Denver, Colorado, a victory years in the making through heartbreak, grit, and community sacrifice.

While most might see the national championship as a single moment of victory, for the girls of California Odyssey, it was the culmination of grinding through local and state tournaments just to earn the chance to win the national Super Group title.

Coach Ben Lomeli, who recently stepped away after guiding the team to a national title, described the experience as nothing short of a dream.

“If I could have scripted it, I don’t know that I could’ve scripted any better than it worked out,” he said, recalling the emotional victory despite injuries that tested the squad. “I feel like, OK, good time, I’ll step away … but maybe there’s a time where I can come back.”

Coach Ben, who took over from his wife Andrea Lomeli, said the journey wasn’t just about building elite players — it was about building character.

Ben emphasized the importance of the team as more than just players on the field. “We want to raise good kids. I treat them like my soccer kids,” he said. He praised the vital role parents and assistant coaches played in creating a supportive community. “If you don’t have the support of the parents, it makes it really difficult.”

Back in 2011, the Odyssey climbed up into the Elite Clubs National League, one of the top youth soccer leagues in the United States. The ECNL gives players a chance to compete at the highest level and gain exposure to college coaches.

“I’m just as proud of the second team as I am the first team,” Ben said, explaining how the entire age group’s dedication elevated Odyssey into the elite ECNL platform, setting the stage for future seasons.

Andrea, who coached the team since they were 5-6 years old until her husband took over two years ago, said, “Watching these girls grow from young ones learning to dribble into beautiful, strong young women pursuing their dreams has been an incredible journey.”

“As a coach, we can only hope they cultivate a passion that fuels their aspirations and fills their hearts, and this team truly embodies that spirit.” she added. “It has been a privilege to be connected with this age group for such an extended period, and I wish the players and families nothing but the best in the years ahead.”

Title Game Is a Nail-Biter

The championship final was a tense, hard-fought battle that remained scoreless through regulation and two overtimes.

With everything on the line, the match was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Clovis girls clinched the national title 4-3 after six penalty kicks. Sofia Falcon delivered the game-winning strike, sealing the win over Solar SC East of Arlington, Texas.

Goalkeeper Makayla Travis came up big, making two crucial saves during the shootout — a performance Coach Ben credited as critical to the victory.

The final kick brought tears and cheers, a powerful ending to a season defined by resilience and unity. In 2024, the Odyssey suffered a heart-breaking loss 1-0 loss to the So Cal Blues in the Under-13 Super Club National Cup championship match.

The Parents Were a Big Part of the Journey

Jessica Cuevas, wife of Coach Ramon, said that it took a lot of hard work and heart. “These girls are so full of grit,” she said. “Their journey from last year’s narrow loss in the finals to going back-to-back is so hard, it’s unheard of.”

Ramon Cuevas has been part of the coaching staff for years, helping lead the team alongside Ben and Andrea Lomeli. Each coach, parents say, has given everything they could to this team.

Jessica described the sacrifices families made, driving long distances and dedicating years to the team. Those families represent communities across the Central Valley — from Clovis and Fresno to Madera, Reedley, and beyond.

The nail-biting final left everyone overwhelmed with emotion. “The amount of blood pressure and heart racing… words can’t describe how amazing it feels,” Jessica said.

The video of the celebration, captured by one of the coaches, shows the girls and coaches embracing, a testament to the effort they poured into the entire season.

She also shared how the girls’ dedication extended far beyond practice and games.

“They eat, breathe, sleep soccer,” Jessica said, describing how her daughter, one of the captains, practiced juggling, kicking, and even pulling siblings outside to shoot.

Jessica praised the coaching staff’s individualized attention, noting how the coaches motivated each player uniquely. “They love their girls. They really did a deep dive into what motivated each one.”

Looking ahead, Jessica expressed confidence in the team’s bright future: “You will see some of these girls in D1 colleges… playing for their nation. The sky is the limit.”

Team Transforms to Become Champions

Fabiola Perez, a parent, provided another personal perspective on the team’s transformation.

She spoke proudly of her daughter Bella’s journey, which included recovering from an ACL injury that happened before the championship.

“This team is more than a team — it’s a family,” Fabiola said. “Isabella has grown so much, not only as a player but as a person and leader.”

She credits the team for helping break her daughter out of her shell. Fabiola noted that Bella may be shy but on the field she is a “beast.”

During the championship run, Bella faced challenges beyond the usual pressures of competition. After sustaining the ACL injury, she stepped up in a different role — helping coach alongside the staff.

“It was tough for her not to play, but she was still there every step of the way, supporting her teammates and helping the coaches,” Fabiola said.

Fabiola described the coaches as extra parents, investing countless hours to ensure every girl’s success. “The coaches put in so much time — late-night practices, meetings, phone calls. It was a collaborative effort.”

The championship was a reward for years of sacrifice and teamwork.

“It wasn’t just the players, not just the coaches — it was all of us,” Fabiola said, her voice thick with pride. “The parents, the community, everyone.”

The Teams Story Showcases More Than Success

The Odyssey team’s story is a bright beacon in a region often overlooked in sports coverage.

Coach Ben remarked on the Central Valley’s hidden talent and potential: “ We can play anyone.”

Jessica Cuevas shared how team and family never became distracted from achieving their goal.

“They always just kept their heads down and worked. This was a win for the girls. A win for the parents. A win for the coaches. We all deserved it.”

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