January 30, 2010, v. Los Alamitos (Marina Tournament Final)

Both the Aztecs and the Griffins came to play.  In a very chippy and physical first half, both sides fought for every ball.  Los Al had the better run of possession, which led to several good opportunities to score.  Esperanza’s stout defense, and tough keeper play by Connor Nelson kept the match knotted at 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half, however, the Aztecs asserted themselves.  

In the 41^st minute, a free kick delivered by Scott Rice (9) twenty-yards out from the right side was headed in by Tyler Valeo (11), and the Aztecs took a 1-0 lead.

Five minutes later, a foul was called on the Griffins’ goal keeper during a corner kick, and Austin Lent (21) sent home the penalty kick for a 2-0 Esperanza lead.

Los Al would not go quietly, however, and in the 53^rd minute, Chris Berkeley headed out a Griffins free-kick, but the ball was put back into the net to cut the Aztecs lead to 2-1.

Both teams fought furiously for the remainder of the game, and once again the Esperanza defense, led by Brayden Hall (12) kept Los Al out of the net to preserve the 2-1 win.

Esperanza were the kings of the Marina Tournament, winning for the fifth time in the last six years!