MVLA U8 Boys Crowned Bay Area Cup Champions

With several tense moments and a never say die attitude, MVLA Boys 07 Blue claimed the title of 2015 Bay Area Cup Champions on Sunday October 25.  Coach Gerson Perez led his squad to 3 wins and one tie over the four game weekend that concluded with a 1-0 win over a very impressive Elite FC Nitro squad. 

It all started early Saturday morning as MVLA went on to beat SMC Stars 07 Blue 4-1 behind strong performances from Harutaka Kodama, Andrew Levitt, Brayden Graham and Luke Kurisu.  The afternoon game was a come from behind effort that saw Kevin Montejano, Jonah Fernandez and Jack Walton stepping up to help beat South San Jose United 3-2. 

Sportsmanship and effort were the prevailing themes as both teams battled in both the morning and afternoon games.  A late goal by MVLA’s Jace Cannon helped tie Nitro 1-1 in the morning to give the 07 Blue team more than enough cushion to reach the final game.   It was a physical game which saw fine individual efforts from Mo Scott and Rogelio Reyes.  This tense morning match up set the stage for the dramatic Bay Area Cup finals.  

In the Championship game, a first half goal put MVLA up 1-0 and they would never relinquish that early lead.  With both teams having several chances, fine defensive plays by Ayan Kothari and great saves by MVLA Goalkeeper Dustin Petras kept the score line throughout the rest of the match. 

“It’s only the beginning,” Coach Perez said.  “The effort and talent is there.  We just have to slowly continue to mold it and make sure we’re going step by step in their development.” 

Tryouts for the Bay Area Cup Champion MVLA U8 Boys will be held at Foothill College later this month.  Please visit MVLASC.org for more details.