The San Marino/South Pasadena under-12 girls’ Extra soccer team captured Region 214’s first-ever Western States championship, hosted by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) recently in Morgan Hill, Calif.
Representing AYSO’s Section 1, the team won the title by first defeating Section 2 representative Hillsborough, 1-0, in the semifinal game before cruising to a 3-0 victory in the final game against Section 11 representative West Huntington Beach.
“I am so happy for the girls and their families,” local head coach Bryan Samuels said. “AYSO’s Extra program has given us the opportunity to compete at a high level and maintain the local feel that the residents of South Pasadena, San Marino and the surrounding communities value so much. That’s what makes this team so unique and special. I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished. Throughout the season, the team was known for its enthusiasm, unselfish play and competitive spirit.”
The team earned the right to represent Section 1 at the Western State competition based on its performance in the sectional playoffs, defeating Palos Verdes and Redlands last month.
The team consists of Kylie Cameron, Sofia Chacon, Maelle Etienne, Kennedy Hunt, Sophia Inclan, Kaia Kooper, Lucia Mahler, Jayda Nakagawa, captain Ramona Nichols, Esme Osugi, Amelia Samuel, Avery Windass, head coach Bryan Samuels and assistant coach Katie Hanburger.
