As millions continue to marvel at the World Cup spectacle in Brazil, a group of 12 boys represented Malibu in proud fashion by winning the U-12 consolation championship at the American Youth Soccer Organization’s 50th anniversary of the National Games.
The youth soccer extravaganza brought 7,000 players together in Torrance and Riverside.
In a spirited performance that covered eight games in four days, the Malibu Surfriders FC won the boys ‘core’ U-12 consolation championship with a 4-2 victory over Pearl City, Hawaii, at Ladera Linda Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Malibu’s team was composed of forwards Landon Amaral, Evan Geft and Tommy Averna, midfielder/forward Nalu Mack, midfielders Carson and Grant Baer, defenders Bowen Brock, Alden Silvestre and Tariq Stack, midfielders/goalies Trumann Gettings and Nick Reinhold, and goalkeeper Mason Sainz.
In a very physical game against Hawaii that was tied 2-2 at the end of the third period, the Surfriders rose to the occasion behind a hat trick (three goals) and an assist from Amaral.
“I thought we played great in the tournament,” said Amaral, a left-footed striker who led the team in scoring for the tournament. “We just played our game. That’s all we have to do. We work together and have improved.”
Led by Coach Tim Silvestre and Assistant Coach John Gettings, the Surfriders began pool play with games on July 3 and 4. Malibu defeated Trinidad and Tobago (6-0), St. Clair, Michigan (7-0), Idaho Springs, Idaho (4-0) and La Habra, Calif. (3-0).
“We played well. We had good interior passing and great defense,” said Alden Silvestre about the first four wins. “We controlled the middle and put it up the sides and scored. We were good on set pieces like corners and free kicks. We kept going and didn’t stop.”
Silvestre, Brock and Stack were defensive stalwarts throughout the tourney. Amaral, Mack and Geft dominated offensive possession.
After posting four consecutive shutouts, the Surfriders ran into a tough squad from nearby Glendale and lost, 5-2, to conclude pool play in second place at 4-1.
Eight teams advanced into the championship tournament on July 5, including Malibu. Despite leading 5-1 in the third quarter, the Surfriders succumbed to the eventual U-12 champions, Rowland Heights. The game was tied, 5-5, after regulation and Rowland Heights advanced on penalty kicks, 4-3.
The heartbreaking loss dropped the Surfriders into the consolation bracket on July 6, where they defeated Victorville, Calif., 4-1. The win set up the match against Pearl City, Hawaii, later that day.
It was a magical ride for the Surfriders, a team formed by Tim Silvestre last fall. The Surfriders won the Area 10E tournament in Moorpark back in January, competing against the best ‘core’ players from the five other regions in the AYSO area.
Malibu’s success continued as it came in third place in the Section 10 championship in Bakersfield and won the Strawberry Cup in Camarillo a few weeks later against a very competitive flight of AYSO ‘extra’ teams (a higher division).
The Surfriders earned the invitation to play in the National Games and ended their season as a squad with the consolation championship in hand. Beginning in the fall, most members of the team will move up to the U-14 division while a few will remain at the U-12 level.
“What I love about Malibu’s team is all these kids love playing together. They are all friends,” Gettings said. “It was a great opportunity. Soccer Fest was wonderful and the boys had an amazing time interacting with the different teams. It was a great experience to be a part of.”
Tim Silvestre praised the Surfriders for an outstanding effort at the National Games and reflected upon what this group of boys had accomplished in such a short amount of time.
“The National Games was a fabulous experience for our boys, with very competitive soccer games, wonderful friendships and great pin trading,” Silvestre said. “The long journey for the Surfriders left us all with a host of fond memories and cherished moments. It is profound and bittersweet to see our 12 little boys move on into their teens and we will remember this time together forever.”
