It's an interesting latest chapter in Ab Alvarez's soccer career.

Alvarez coaches Capital Christian High School's boys team with Greg Armbrust.

The two have known each other since they played college soccer at Azusa Pacific in Southern California in the late 1980s.

Together they have turned Capital Christian into one of the Sac-Joaquin Section's top small-school programs in recent years.

This season's team could be the best in school history entering the Division V playoffs. The Cougars (16-0-3) play host to the winner of today's Hughson-Amador match Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Four players with key roles in Capital Christian's success are seniors Micah Alvarez and Keenan Armbrust and sophomores Devon Alvarez and Kaleb Armbrust, the sons of the coaches.

Micah and Keenan will play soccer together next season at their fathers' alma mater.

"It's definitely unique," said Alvarez, also Capital Christian's principal. "It's been great. The kids love to play, and Greg and I feel lucky to have the greatest seats in the house."

Although Capital Christian's enrollment is only 370, there are 45 boys in the soccer program. The school also fields varsity and junior varsity football teams in the fall.

In addition to Micah (four goals, nine assists), a midfielder, and Keenan (22 goals, 10 assists), a sweeper, goalkeeper Johnny Murray also is headed to college on scholarship. The four-year starter will play next season at the University of San Diego.

One of the area's best goalies, regardless of division, Murray allowed just six goals – three on penalty kicks – and had 92 saves in 19 matches.

He remained committed to the Cougars when officials at his high-level club team, the California Development Academy, abruptly ordered its players to choose between club or high school midway in the season.

While most of his CDA teammates left their high school teams, Murray was among a handful who stayed.

"He's always been a team guy with a lot of integrity," Ab Alvarez said. "It was a tough decision because he had close ties to both teams. I'm proud of him."

Murray was honored for his loyalty during the team's last home match, Oct. 20 against Mesa Verde. He wore the team's traditional home white while his teammates donned neon yellow jerseys – the color Murray usually wears.

Alvarez said the Cougars will need Murray's best in the postseason.

Capital Christian won the Golden Empire League title and beat Division II power Bella Vista 2-0 in its own Capital Challenge Cup showcase in September. The Cougars also tied larger schools Rio Americano and Cordova, both Division III playoff teams.

Capital Christian has fallen in section finals the past two seasons.

Two years ago, the Cougars lost 2-1 in overtime to Encina in the D-VI final after the Bulldogs tied the match with seconds to go in regulation stoppage time. Last year, the Cougars lost 3-2 to league rival Dixon in the D-V final.

"D-V is a tough decision," Ab Alvarez said. "There are no sure things. But it will be a good challenge. Certainly the experience of having been there before should help."

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