GU14 San Mateo Storm take AYSO Section 2 Championship

The GU14 San Mateo Storm are the AYSO Section 2 Champions after a thrilling 2-1 win over a previously undefeated Davis team. Section 2 consists of teams from California, Nevada, Oregon and Alaska.

After Davis scored an early first goal, the Storm’s defense locked it down and held off a strong Davis attacking front line for the balance of the game. The Storm’s solid defense led by Erika Bagtas, Dominique Garibay, Kenya Sandoval and Stephanie Salazar gave up a stingy 15 goals in 20 games this season.

Shortly after Davis scored, a perfectly placed through ball by Emma Mendoza sent Alyssa Hurd flying down the field one step ahead of the defense where she knocked in the first Storm goal. Hurd would later score again with a left foot shot to seal the win. Forwards Viviana Bautista, Lily Olson and Jazmin Laureano also turned in solid performances, creating a series of scoring opportunities. Their attacks were supported by Midfielders Natalie Vasquez and Celeste Uribe Sevilla. Keeper Nathalye Figueroa, rebounded after giving up the early goal and also turned in a great performance. Teammate Paris Ortiz, cheered on her team after being sidelined early in the year with a season ending injury. The Storm team is coached by Colin Hurd and Jeffrey Bagtas.

Following their victory, the Storm will now advance to the AYSO Western States Championships to be held March 25th and 26th in Carson City, Nevada. San Mateo will be well represented as the BU14 San Mateo Men in White also won the Section, earning the right to move to the Western States Championships.