Pilgrims win Turkey tourney title, 2-1
Aaron Rakhshani netted a sudden-death overtime goal to break a 1-1
tie and lift the Huntington Beach Pilgrims of AYSO Region 56 to the
title of the 16th annual Surf City Turkey Tournament with a 2-1 win
over North Huntington Beach.
“That was one of the best games I have been a part of,” Pilgrims
coach Ron Varing said of the match played at Peterson Elementary
School. “Our boys kept battling and kept believing in themselves.
“The medal is nice, but more importantly, our boys learned a lot
about teamwork, sportsmanship and confidence that, hopefully, they
will carry on in their lives.”
The Pilgrims trailed, 1-0, late in the match when Joey De Marco
stole the ball from a defender, crossed it to teammate Dillon Brown,
who then scored to tie up the game.
The defense of Matthew Mariner, Blake Mooney and Sloan Varing
helped preserve the victory.
The Pilgrims earned enough tournament points in matches against
Fountain Valley, Long Beach and Hawthrone, to reach the championship
game.
The Pilgrims’ squad also consists of Brent Bazzell, Scott
Campbell, Brendon Hartjoy, Madison Hayden and Jay Rowerdink.
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