Thunder Tops CCSL Spring Soccer League

It was cold, windy and slightly raining. In other words, perfect soccer weather.

The Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley Thunder under 14 boys competitive travel soccer team was in Salinas this Memorial Day facing off against the number two team EC Real Galaxy for top dog bragging rights.

Off the field parents and fans stayed warm by bundling up, downing coffee and running in place. On the field the boys hardly noticed the weather focusing their attention on one of the most physical and competitive games of their season.

The game and the CCSL bracket winner were decided in the second half with a successful cross from the Thunder’s Eric Beraut to Ryan Edwards who managed to find the back of the net making the score 1-0.

The Thunder was no stranger to success this season.

Under new coaching direction from Victor Martinez the Thunder put together their strongest season yet with a record of 7 wins, 1 tie and 1 loss. The team scored 30 goals, while only allowing 7.

“The bottom line is these guys put in the effort to get the results,” Martinez said. “They still have a lot of work to do, but they made great strides this season. This is a very coachable team and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the fall.”

The Thunder allowed fewer goals than any team in their bracket with an aggressive midfield and defense led by Alex Burnett, Ian Mansfield, Andrew Josselyn, Garrett Wadsworth, Eli Bjorklund, Alexander Cicconi-Kasper and goalkeepers Austen Allen and Ryan Edwards.

Scoring for the Thunder was evenly distributed among the forwards and midfielders. Leading the way with 5 goals was Alex Stock followed by Eric Beraut (4), Noah Byrd (4), Daniel Cardiel (4), Ryan Edwards (4), Max Bauerle (2), Mario Espinoza (2), Mitchell Kamau (2), Cole North (2) and Matt Bergman (1).

"The Club is very proud of the Thunder and its outstanding accomplishments this spring season,” said Michael Oglesby, president of the Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley Soccer Club. “Placing first in an advanced level soccer division is, by any measure, a significant achievement and is reflective of a group of young men who played with a high level of confidence, skill and poise on the field this spring. These young men, as individuals and, collectively, as a team, represented the club and the greater soccer community in a way that we can all be proud of this season."

Results from other Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley teams include: U16 girls Mirage (3rd place), U12 girls Valkyrie (7th place) and U9 girls Wild Cats (1st place). 

The Thunder fall season starts in mid September. For more photos of the game and background on the Thunder visit www.svslv-thunder.com. For information on Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley competitive soccer visit www.svslvsoccerclub.org.