Fillmore’s California United’s 2016 Boys Team competed and won the Tournament of Champions in Thousand Oaks last weekend. Pictured back row: Miguel Martinez, Josue Garcia, and Javier Alcaraz. Middle row: Allen Arriaga, Mycah Castro, Rex Masterson, Jayden Escoto, Noah Lira, Kevin Ponce, Adrian Marrufo, JJ Garcia, and Roman Garibay. Front row: Gera Alvarado, Neymar Alcaraz, and Andres Martinez. Photo credit Erika Huerta Arana.

Fillmore’s California United’s 2016 Team emerged victorious at the Tournament of Champions this weekend, overcoming LAFC Red in a nail-biting 2-1 championship game victory at the Conejo Creek soccer fields hosted by the Oaks FC.

Throughout the tournament, California United displayed their dominance, beginning with an astonishing 20-0 victory against Cal Elite, followed by a 4-1 win over ECFC Salinas, and a 12-0 triumph against Oaks FC in pool play. These impressive results set the stage for a dramatic championship showdown.

In the title match, LAFC Red initially took the lead, putting pressure on California United. However, the resilience of the young squad was on full display as they fought back, leveling the score and eventually taking the lead thanks to Rex Masterson’s crucial goals. Masterson, who has been a standout player throughout the tournament, scored both the equalizer and the decisive go-ahead goal, bringing his tournament tally to an impressive 10 goals.

California United’s goalkeeper, Kevin Ponce, also had a notable tournament, contributing not only with his skills between the posts but also by scoring a rare goal himself. The team’s offensive firepower was further highlighted by contributions from Neymar Alcaraz (6 goals), JJ Garcia (7), Jayden Escoto (4), Andres Martinez (4), Gera Alvarado (2), and single-goal scorers Mycah Castro, Noah Lira, Roman Garibay, and Allen Arriaga.

California United 2016 Boys is coached by Miguel Martinez, flanked by assistants Josue Garcia and Javier Alcaraz.
With their triumph at the Tournament of Champions, California United 2016 not only celebrated their victory but also solidified their reputation as a formidable force in youth soccer, showcasing both individual talents and strong team dynamics. The victory in Thousand Oaks is a memorable achievement that highlights their rising trajectory in competitive youth soccer.