The San Jose Earthquakes under-13 boys’ soccer team won the CYSA Cal Soccer League - Bay Region championship by beating the Santa Clara Sporting ‘99 White soccer team last Wednesday night in Santa Clara.
With a 2-point lead in the standings, the Quakes needed a win against Santa Clara in the final match of the season to assure themselves of the title. The Quakes won the match 1-0 at the Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park, finishing the regular season on a seven-game winning streak.
The Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park hosted the vital game, which was played under the lights amidst the backdrop of the new 49ers stadium. Santa Clara Sporting White pressed early, reinforced with two SCSC 99 Green players, Christopher Sumano and Cesar Ponce-Borunda. The Quakes were lead by captains Jamal Adam, JJ-Foe Nuphaus and U-14 U.S. National team forward Daniel Sanchez. The game winning goal came just before the first half ended when J.J. Foe-Nuphaus scored off a beautiful cross from Jamal Adam. The lone goal was all that the Quakes needed to secure the CCSL League title.
"These guys have done a great job growing up this season. We had most of the them play up at some point this fall, which has helped our players not only understand how to be physical, but has sped up the game in their minds", said coach Jeff Jenkins. "At this stage of their development, we are focused on getting the players ready to play in the Academy system. The wins are just a byproduct of that, not our main goal."
The Under-13 Quakes now turn their attention to U-14 NorCal Premier Winter League and U-14 NorCal State Cup, where they have already qualified to the round of 32 having won all three of their group stage matches.
