Colton Soccer Does it Again

By: Cassandra Wagner

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

David Galarza

Photo Description:

The U-14 boys from top left: Coach David Galarza, Ignacio Espinoza, Uriel Martinez, Elijah Salazar, Isaac Castillo, Luis Ramos, Allen Rodriguez, Alan Romero. Bottom left: Paul Bravo, Marcos Banuelos, Chino Hernandez, David Melchor, Angel Merino, Raymond Diaz, and Jesus Ruiz.
The U-14 boys proved to be the best in Cal South's District 5 making consecutive wins at the The Commissioner's Cup held in Temecula in December 2016, the President's Cup held in Apple Valley on Jan. 17, and then the Tournament of Champions held in Rialto Jan. 30-31. The team defeated all star teams competing against 22 of the best at the President's Cup and advancing to the Tournament of Champions where they defeated a team for a second time. The CalSouth District 5 covers the Inland Empire, including the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino in Southern California. The District works with Recreational and Competitive leagues to bring soccer to the youth in these communities. "The win was great, almost like a movie," said Coach David Galarza. "It had been raining and we were against a team that was large enough for an A and B team. We had beat the B team at the President's cup and in the Tournament of Champions we defeated their A team." In order to prepare for the tournament the team added more practice time to include practicing four times a week until the tournament. This was Galarza's first time winning the Tournament of Champions as a coach after having teams go three times. He previously won the tournament as a player and knew the impact it would have on his team. "It is something I'l never forget. I had a great team this year who on the off season came together to do a soccer club to continue practicing on the off season. They had chemistry and knew how to play. This will be something they never forget," said Galrarza. For Galarza the win was not just won from the hard work of the boys. "I am so thankful to the parents. When you don't have participation parents it can be difficult to get the kids to. We had great parents who participated and made sure they were at practices."