KICK FOR LOCAL TEAM SCV SQUAD CAPTURES TITLE IN SHOWDOWN TOURNAMENT OF 145 TEAMS.

Byline: Daily News

A local soccer team recently won the championship of the 14th annual Santa Clarita Valley Showdown, which took place at various venues in Newhall and Saugus April 30-May 1.

The Newhall-Valencia Under 12 boys All-Star Tournament Team, made up of boys ages 10 to 12, went 4-0 in the top under-12 division at the tournament, defeating Thousand Oaks 6-0, Simi Valley 5-3, Saugus 3-2 and in the finals beat Santa Barbara 5-3.

Overall, Newhall-Valencia outscored its opponents 19-8 in the tournament. Chris Marlin scored nine goals, Renato Sanchez and Zan Schindler had three goals apiece and Brady Stuart had two goals and two assists to lead the team. Newhall-Valencia is coached by Joe Franco and Todd Schindler.

The tournament attracted 145 teams and more than 3,500 players and spectators. Five divisions covering players ages 10 through 19 competed.

The Santa Clarita Showdown is the largest fundraiser for Santa Clarita Valley American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Area 10, and games were held at Hart High School, Placerita Junior High and Central Park.

Teams traveled to Santa Clarita from as far away as Santa Barbara and San Diego to participate in the premier spring tournament. This year's event raised approximately $50,000 for the SCV AYSO soccer programs, according to Showdown Tournament Director Jim Frayer.

AYSO Area 10 includes players from Newhall, Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch and Castaic.

For information about AYSO, visit the organization's Web site at www.soccer.org.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

(color) The Newhall-Valencia Under 12 boys soccer team recently won the championship at the Santa Clarita Valley Showdown Tournament. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Saul Avila, Loy Mueller, Zan Schindler, Ben Milleman and Tino Franco. (Back row, left to right) Coach Joe Franco, Brady Stuart, Chris Marlin, Garrett Gooding, Austin Cortina, Renato Sanchez and Coach Todd Schindler.