SOCCER'S UP FOR ELITE SURF CUP.Byline: Jim Inghram Staff Writer Just being invited is a big deal. Actually getting into the Surf Cup says your club team is among the elite. The 19th San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. Surf Cup begins today and runs through Monday. Over the years the tournament has developed a reputation for being one of the best in the nation. Most teams there are either state champions or state runners-up; teams come from throughout the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Canada, Great Britain Great Britain, officially United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 60,441,000), 94,226 sq mi (244,044 sq km), on the British Isles, off W Europe. The country is often referred to simply as Britain. and Northern Ireland Northern Ireland: see Ireland, Northern. Northern Ireland Part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland occupying the northeastern portion of the island of Ireland. Area: 5,461 sq mi (14,144 sq km). Population (2001): 1,685,267. . ``This is the big one,'' said Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, Soccer Club girls' director Scott Murray
The competition is keen. Nearly 225 college coaches from men's and women's teams will be in attendance, so the games can become a cauldron of pressure. ``I think it's fun,'' said Jenna Ainsworth, who plays on the SCSC SCSC State Civil Service Commission SCSC Schedule Control Systems Criteria SCSC Software Council of Southern California SCSC Surface Combat Systems Center (formerly ACSC; Wallops Island, VA) SCSC Santa Clara Swim Club under-17 team. ``There is a lot of competition, but if you play well you can really make a name for yourself.'' This year the tournament was divided into two weekends. Last weekend was for under-10 to under-15 teams. This time it's under-16 to under-19. Only one area team is involved, the under-17 team of the Southern California Soccer Club. As an under-16 unit, the team, then known as the Las Virgenes Blazers, made it to the semifinals last year before losing. This version could be even stronger. The core players from the Blazers return and have combined with the former California Legends. The Legends, who were based in Santa Barbara Santa Barbara (săn'tə bär`brə, –bərə), city (1990 pop. 85,571), seat of Santa Barbara co., S Calif., on the Pacific Ocean; inc. 1850. , have the top players from the Central California coast region. ``We combined two great teams,'' said SCSC coach Cam Camarena, who coached the Legends. ``I really like this team. I like our chances on pure talent. It's just a matter of getting the right combination and the girls developing some chemistry.'' The old Blazers have a core of players that has been together for at least six years. Ainsworth, Claire Connor and Sara Silver-Hill have been on the same club team for years. All three attend Westlake High and Thousand Oaks' Andi Keesling has also been with the Westlake trio throughout that period of time. ``We've had a core of players together since we were like, 12,'' said Connor, who plays goalkeeper on the team. ``It helps with chemistry. Everyone is comfortable with each other and works well on the field.'' Whether it translates into success at the ultra-competitive Surf Cup will be answered this weekend. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO (Color) Andi Keesling of Thousand Oaks played on last year's under-16 Las Virgenes Blazers, who made it to the semifinals. Tina Gerson/Staff Photographer |
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