Pictured AYSO Region 678 (Valencia) Boys U10 Extra (left to right): Top row – Assistant Coach Fernando Escala, Coach Christian Lopez, Middle row – Thomas Galarneau, Gage Fritz, Julian Escala, Carlo Lopez, Nathan Mendelyan, Braden Krusey, Jordan Saravia Bottom row – Charles Thurman, Pierce Marchant

What began as a storied eye dream for nine young soccer athletes from the Santa Clarita Valley in August of 2014, culminated with the crowning of their team as Champions of the AYSO Western States Championships this past weekend in Lake Forest, CA.

The Valencia United Boys U10 EXTRA team from AYSO Region 678 was invited to participate in the exclusive invitational tournament after completing the 2014 season undefeated, and capturing the AYSO Section 10 Champion title. This team of amazing young athletes amassed a treasure trove of trophies, medals and awards along the way by winning 5 tournaments throughout the Southern California region. The pinnacle of their success was reached on Sunday however, as the Valencia United team procured the most valuable trophy of all.

The BU10 EXTRA team relied on both skill and their speed advantage to advance from their semi-final game against Los Alamitos 2-0, despite three of the players suffering from lingering illnesses. The Los Alamitos team entered the weekend having been defeated only once this season.

The championship match later pitted Valencia United against South Redondo Beach, with the Valencia superpower sealing their elite status with a resounding 5-0 victory. The players were ecstatic to have accomplished such a task, said Valencia United head coach, Chris Lopez.

“They were grateful of the opportunity and very respectful of their opponents. I believe all players were able to understand the uniqueness of this accomplishment.” Lopez further added that both he and his assistant coach, Fernando Escala, truly feel blessed to be part of a team with such amazing young men.
Three additional Region 678 teams earned berths to the big dance, with the Boys U11 EXTRA team bringing home a 2nd place title and the Boys U12 EXTRA team earning a third place finish. Region 678 also earned another third place banner by way of their Girls U10 All-Star team.

The success of these teams are a true testament to the level of commitment demonstrated day in and day out by our organization’s wonderful parent volunteers, said Jim Niner, Area Director of AYSO 10S. “I believe it is safe to say the future of our community is bright with so many involved and conscientious community volunteers providing such resounding memories for our youth. This is what it’s all about.”

Additional information about playing AYSO soccer in 2015 can be obtained by visiting www.ayso10s.com