Bottom from left, Gaelen Bannister, Kealan Buagham, Amarjot Thind, Tyler Gargiulo, Josiah Liardon, Trenton Reynolds, Tristan Baughman. Top from left, Frank Gargiulo, Nicholas Hamilton, Ricardo Bribeiescas, Barrett Lowe, Alexander Vega, Kyle vandenBrandHorninge, Christian Ukanwa, Alex Lowe (Rodrigo Miranda not pictured).
MORGAN HILL -- The Orchard Valley Pumas, a 13-and-under Class 3 competitive boy's soccer team, captured the California Youth Soccer Association District 2 Tournament championship.
Coached by Frank Gargiulo and Alex Lowe, the Pumas blanked the Hurricanes -- a strong club from the Sunnyvale Alliance -- in the Nov. 23 title match, played in the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center. Rodrigo Miranda scored the game's only goal while the Pumas' defense helped goalkeeper Alex Vega work a shutout.
The Pumas settled for a 2-2 tie in their tournament-opener against the Monterey County Cougars. The Pumas led for most of the game, but surrendered a late equalizer.
They finished the job in their second game against the Santa Clara Vipers, winning 2-1, and followed with a 1-0 victory over the Quakes -- a Hollister Tremors Club team. The victory moved the Pumas to second place in the District Cup qualifying round.
The Pumas are training for a season-ending tournament in January, a CYSA Association Cup event featuring teams from across the state.
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