Siblings lead their teams to NCS  Soccer Playoffs HAAL Full of Family Duos By: Fernando Brum Photos by Bob Kaehms

The Sevieris got the upper hand in the first match. Castro Valley upset the HAAL champion Farmers 1-0 at Moreau Catholic. Since the HAAL champion has to lose twice to be eliminated, the win forced a point-game the next day at Burrell Field in San Leandro. The Dons also pushed O'Dowd into a must win situation with a 1-0 win. But both HAAL champions recovered to clinch the NCS berth.

O'Dowd shellacked the Dons 5-0, while the Farmers and Trojans scampered off the field to escape the wrath of a furious Mother Nature. When the players reached the locker room, their ears were all red and crusty from hail driven by high wind. They stood watch as lightening bolts drew zigzag patterns in the night sky down to Earth. This exciting weather phenomenon forced Dave Keisel, HAAL commissioner, to declare Hayward winner of the automatic bid, though the score was deadlocked 1-1.

That disappointed the Sevieris and delighted the Rayatkahs. Aside from the intense competition on the field, brothers and sisters push each other to excel, looked out for one and other, and provide support during the tough times. But having a sibling on the same team can also be distracting.

"It's weird," said Sasha Rayatkah, 17, about playing alongside his younger brother. "We fight a lot, but it's brotherly love. I guess."

It’s equally strange for the younger brother who has to listen to advise from the older and, depending on who you ask, wiser brother.

"It's frustrating," said Parshan, 15. "I make one mistake and I don't hear the end of it. I respect him. He's a good player and makes me a better player by playing with him."

Both Sasha and Parshan scored big goals for the Farmers, but none bigger than the ones against San Leandro. The Pirates routed the Farmers 5-3 in Hayward and got out to a 2-0 lead in the rematch. Sasha pulled a goal back when he converted from the edge of 6-yard box on a heel pass from Jeremiah Tapia. Parshan drilled the ball into the net from the penalty spot for the draw, which led to the Pirate debacle. 

Dante Sevieri is arguably the best skilled player on the squad, certainly, the playmaker for the Trojans. The Castro Valley No. 10 goes about his ball distribution and marking responsibilities with a watchful eye over his little brother, Paul. 

"If somebody creams him, instead of going over there, I'll just play harder against that player," said the older Sevieri. "When that guy gets the ball, I'll always run over and try to take the ball away. And make him look stupid." 

This is the first season the Sevieris are playing together, since they were on the same under-10 team. Dante said, despite Paul ignoring his comments, the two know just what the other is going to do and that helps them create goal-scoring opportunities. The Sevieris along with Alex Camerena and Matt Fitzgerald led the Trojans to third place (8-5-3). 

Kate Chadwick is 4 minutes younger than her twin, Sarah. One of them usually plays in the midfield, while the other is on the forward line. But even if the coach puts them on opposite ends of the pitch, they always know how to work together. They’re always supportive of one and other, but things get tense at times. Their competitive nature forces them to demand the best from each other. When things click, one scores and the other gets the assist.

“We always find ways to work together,” said Kate. “We can see each other easily and when a play can be made (between us).”

The Chadwicks combined for 13 goals during the regular season. Those goals put Arroyo in the playoffs and possibly NCS. The Dons were 12-3-1 in the league and being the only HAAL team to beat the Dragons should make them a serious candidate. 
 

Sasha takes a shot while Parsahn (foreground) looks on	Chadwick sisters celebrate after Kate scores against Moreau	Dante Sevieri, Trojan playmaker and mentor to his younger brother Paul.