KNIGHTS RECORD ANOTHER TOURNAMENT VICTORY

 One week after defeating the Nevada State Champions in Long Beach, the HSC Knights (U18) entered the Ballistic Summer Cup, playing as a U19 team.  The Summer Cup is a top 100 national “platinum” tournament that boasted 16 top 50 U19 entries, including both the #1 & #2 Northern California ranked teams, as well as newly formed Academy team.  Despite the talented opposition, the Knights prevailed to be crowned 2008 Summer Cup U19 Champions.

On their march to the championship, the Knights were led by their defense, including Goalkeepers Kyle Debacker & Marshall Jimenez and back line Matt Kendall, RJ Kroner,  Scott Wuestenbeg & James Sears.  Altogether, in the four games against these top opponents, the Knights gave up 5 goals, substantially below what these teams are normally used to scoring.  At the same time, the Knights’ offense, led by Tavo Guzman with 4 goals and Alejandro Portilla with 3, continued their prodigious output and recorded victories of 2-1, 3-1, 3-2 & 3-1, against Ballistic United, Newark Barcelona, Sonoma County Alliance & Marin FC, respectively.  Carlos Calixto also notched two scores.   Prior to this tournament, the Knights had the 16^th ranked U18 offense in the nation, a standing expected to increase after this latest bunch of goals.

 In the thrilling final, the Knights dominated play against the much bigger and more well known team from Marin scoring bookend goals (Russell Helms & Kenneth Henry) each  following a series of attractive passes in the fashion for which the Knights are becoming known.  The middle goal was a “goal of the year” candidate, as Tavo noticed the Marin goalkeeper off the line and scored with a shot from about 45 yards away.  The large crowd gathered to watch the final erupted in a fashion more often seen at top collegiate or professional games.  From that moment, it seemed the Knights were in control, though Marin threatened on several occasions, only to be constantly pushed back by the Knights stout defense.

 Throughout each game, the midfield controlled play, frustrating the other team as they attempted to mount a challenge.  In the final, Adan Elizondo, Russell Helms & Alejandro Portilla repeatedly managed the center of the pitch, while Isaac Maldonado and Eduardo Quiroz sped along the touchlines.  The play of the midfielders, including Steven Henry helped change the game.  With one exception, all the goals scored during the tournament included an assist from the midfield.

 This is the second tournament championship for the Knights this summer, along with a 2nd place in the National Cup regional tournament.  Both victories coming in U19 tournaments and this latest championship bodes well for the upcoming GSSL season as several of the teams bested in this tournament will be opponents in league play.  With this latest victory, coaches Cesar Chavez & Matt Sears look forward to improvement in the Knights’ prior Cal North and National rankings (#11 and #181).