Going undefeated in four games, the Orchard Valley Youth Soccer
League
’s Toros Under 11 girls soccer team took home first-place
trophies from the South San Jose Youth Soccer League’s Thanksgiving
Championship Cup last weekend.
Going undefeated in four games, the Orchard Valley Youth Soccer League’s Toros Under 11 girls soccer team took home first-place trophies from the South San Jose Youth Soccer League’s Thanksgiving Championship Cup last weekend.
The Toros played strong defensive games, only allowing one goal to be scored against them in four games.
The offense dominated all the games, out-shooting their opponents in every game.
All of the Toros stepped up to the challenge and played very well despite the cold and strong wind.
The Toros were led offensively by forwards Jennae Cambra, Giordan Rojas, Taylor Carson, Colby Carson, and Holly Dunwoodie. The forwards were supported and assisted by midfielders Katelyn Nebesnick, Megan Rauschnot, Kirsten Doting, and Sara Sauceda. The passing and teamwork of Toros defenders Sarina Sandoval, Dani Hemeon, Katie Machado and Taylor Pencer were key in every game. And without the fast-acting goalkeeper, Rebekah Inouye, the Toros wouldn’t have finished first.
The Toros were coached to victory by Kevin Dunwoodie, and Assistant Coaches Bill Cambra and Scott Pencer.
Playing in the Saturday morning drizzle, the Toros won their tourney opener 4-1 against the Newark Illusion. The return of center-midfielder Sauceda, back from a five-week injury, sparked a newfound energy for the Toros.
It was a bit warmer in the afternoon game against the Lamorinda United team, which resulted in a 1-0 final score for another Toros win. In the last few minutes, Cambra battled for a loose ball around the net and eluded the United goalkeeper to find the back of the net. The game was saved when Inouye deflected a high shot in the last minute of play.
The Toros’ winning continued on Sunday, as the local team beat the Heritage Magic 1-0 on a first-half goal by Cambra in the tourney semifinals.
In the Tourney Championship, the Toros beat the Union City Devils 3-0 on goals by Raushnot, Rojas, and Sauceda.
The Toros finished the Fall season with a 6-2-2 record and placed second in the U11 Girls Class I division. They will be competing in the State Cup in January and February.
