The first annual Malibu United Soccer Club 7v7Charity Soccer Tournament featured more than 100 players competing from throughout southern California. The event raised more than $5,000 for International Medical Corp. Photos from the event can be found on page A1.
The first games took place at 9 a.m. with Malibu United taking on Simi Valley United. Malibu United captain Ignacio Rodriguez  led his team to an easy victory with a final result of 13-0 against their younger opponents. At the same time, two Malibu teams faced each other with The Expendables taking on the Vishernators. Both teams included a combination of former Malibu United players and Malibu High School alumni. The Vishernators, coached by local veteran soccer great John Visher, had a tough time corralling Ben Corrodi and The Expendables, with Ryan Silverman’s Expendables winning 7-4.
Next up for Malibu United was their old rival from the Tri-County league, The Crown & Anchor. Both teams were familiar with each other and had a hard fought match with the Crown & Anchor taking a 6-3 victory. The Vishernators’ second match of the day had them up against Glory Goal, a team from Thousand Oaks that would go on to be the eventual tournament winners. Vidy Ravenborg and John Visher’s team battled hard for the full 40 minutes but couldn’t get past Glory Goal, losing 6-4.
Going into the final match of the opening round, two Malibu teams just needed a draw or a victory to move into the semi-final round. The Expendables fought hard but came up short against Glory Goal knocking them out of the tournament.
Malibu United lined up a strong side led by J.J. Saul, Dave Keffer, Ignacio Rodriguez, Lawrence Whalen and Luke Kempin all looking to knock out their opponents that traveled up from Playa Del Rey. Right from the kickoff match, referee Jim Smith knew it was a rough and competitive match. Playa Internationals were looking for revenge after Malibu United recently won the Playa Del Rey spring league. Unfortunately for United, Playa scored the opener just 10 minutes into the game. Malibu had several good opportunities to climb back in the game but missed a few good chances and ended up losing just by the one lone goal.
Glory Goal dominated their opening round matches going 3-0-0 and winning their semi-final game 6-2. They now faced their Tri-County league opponent Gibos for the trophy. Both teams battled hard and the Gibos came up short losing 8-4 in the final.