Boca Raton soccer teams capture championships
Two Boca Raton soccer teams brought home the gold recently in winning their respective Under-14 age groups in separate tournaments.
Both the Soccer Association of Boca Raton (SABR) Team Boca 2010 White and 2010 Navy teams won titles.
The White team edged Central Brevard Soccer 1-0 on a goal by Ava Gold to capture the Orlando City Cup in Sanford. Goalkeeper Ava Rizzardi posted the shutout.
“The team continues to perform at a high level, while growing as a team one game a time,” said 2010 White coach Clovis Cavalcanti. “The final was a very physical and competitive game.
“The players worked hard all tournament, dominating each opponent with their possession game,” Cavalcanti said. “Our counterattack is improving with many goal (scoring) opportunities, while the defense continues to be a stronghold for the team. With coaching, patience and belief, the team continues to prove as one of the best in the state.”
Cali Castillo, Elizabeth Villalobos, Sadie Cabral and Gold led the team in scoring during the week.
Melissa Wehbe, Ainsley Reid and Kelsey Reese all scored, while Amelia Prince posted the shutout as Team Boca 2010 Navy team rolled to a 3-0 victory over Weston Select at Pine Island Trails in Parkland.
The 2010 Navy team received solid play from its defense, composed of Ava Barnett, Bianca Betioli, Maddie Cornett, Hannah Hess, Lyla Straub, Kaitlyn Surber and Kelany Vaz, who allowed just two goals in four games. Prince made several key saves in goal in the tourney.
Reese shined in both defense and in the attack as did midfielders Chloe Chluski, Olivia Ged, Paisley Reynolds and Olivia Price. Victoria Dasilva, Reid, Wehbe and Zoe Spyridonos created numerous scoring chances throughout the tournament as the squad outscored the opposition 12-2.
The PlayFor8 Cup was established in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year old soccer player with Parkland Soccer Club, who was one of 17 students and teachers who lost her life in the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.
The girls’ tournament proceeds are donated to Make Our Schools Safe, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting students and teachers at school.
Alyssa’s mother, Lori, who is also a Broward County School Board member, was on hand for the trophy presentations and promoting the Make Our School’s Safe organization, which is aimed at providing safety features tailored to the specific needs of schools. These features include metal detectors, bullet-resistant glass and enhanced fencing and gates.