Rio Americano Boys Soccer Opens Playoffs

The Rio Americano boys soccer team (11-4-3)  opens the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs today when they host Lincoln at 3 p.m.

The Raiders say they can beat teams by outworking them on the field.

"They're not the most talented team in the team in the world but they've bought into playing harder," said coach Alan Posner.

To that end, Rio players have been focusing on conditioning in preparation for the playoffs.

"Hard work can beat talent," said senior forward and co-captain Jonny Lanthir, who scored a bicycle kick against Whitney of Rocklin earlier in the season. "If our team outworks the other... we should win."

Getting to the playoffs and winning their league were goals going into the season, said fellow senior and co-captain Logan Cone, a midfielder.

The two said they look forward to club soccer season following the high school season and hope to continue playing in college.

In other playoff action today, national power hosts Armijo of Fairfield.