The Heritage Thunder used quick passing and a dominant defense to go undefeated and take the 2007 Magic Cup. The Thunders first of four consecutive victories was a 2-1 nail-biter at the hands of the Walnut Creek Diablos. “This was one of those frustrating matches where you control both sides of the pitch, but you can’t put the ball in the back of the net,” said Coach Sandy Jones. The Thunder had many chances to put the match away early, but failed to convert. It was not until a Luis Diaz cross to Brian Randall midway into the first half that the Thunder broke into the scoring column. Ivan Rodriguez took a pass from T.J. Sylvia and put it into the net to give The Thunder the 2-0 lead late in the half. The lone defensive breakdown allowed the Diablos to come within a goal. Though the Thunder maintained ball control throughout the entire second half, they could not convert but held on for the victory. The Saturday afternoon tilt saw the Thunder completely outclass the Peninsula Extreme en route to an 8-0 shellacking. Four goals by Randall and goals from Rodriguez, Nelson Fisher, Daivon Ballard and Andre Guardado were all the boys in black needed for the victory. “I think the boys saw that if we move the ball quickly, we extend the defense which leads to more goals,” Jones said. “If we pass like that all year, we’re going to be tough to beat”.

Sunday mornings match saw the Thunder start slow, but close strong in their 4-1 victory. The Thunder were down 1-0 at half, but a rocket shot from the foot of Osiel Mendoza tied the game. A PK from Wilson Jones into the upper left corner put the Thunder ahead for good. After Jones PK, the scoring floodgate was open. Minutes later, the Diaz to Randall duo connected again to give the Thunder a 2 goal advantage. Rodriguez closed out the scoring, taking a cross from Guardado. “We really needed our defense to step up in the second half because we have not been behind much this season,” said Coach Tomas Diaz. Ian (Schueller), Cole (Van Buskirk) and Fabian (Rodriguez), Wilson and Eli (Gomez) have done an outstanding job stopping our opponents runs. The championship game was over soon after it started. The Thunder took on the NV Sharks, who were playing with only one substitute and scored early and often. “Last weeks tournament saw us run out of gas in the Championship match and lose 1-0, this week it happened to the Sharks,” said Jones. Randall had a hat trick in the contest, on assists from Mendoza. Sylvia scorched a ball from 25 yards out that knuckled on the keeper and sailed into the back of the net. Ryan Martinez, Guardado, and Ballard also had a goal for the Thunder. With the 7-0 victory, the boys in black had 21 goals while giving up only two.