August 15, 2006 > Newark Pumas

by David Morgan

The Newark Pumas U-14 boys Division 1 team, opened their soccer season at the Long Beach Sun and Surf International Tournament. They took first place in their bracket, but lost in the semis. Overall, the Pumas took third place.

The tournament started on Saturday, Aug. 12 with the Pumas beating Orange OSC United 3 - 2. OSC scored first at the 10th minute but the Pumas answered with a goal at the 12th minute from Saavedra on an assist from Kristian Fuentes free kick. At the 19th minute OSC scored again to take the lead at half-time. In the second half, Pumas shut down OSC and scored two goals for the win. Both came from Hector Romero. One was from a corner kick from David Morgan and the other was a solo.

The second game on Saturday was a win for the Pumas. They beat Long Beach SC White 1- 0. Pumas only goal came in the second half from Romero. Goal keeper, Dominic Trujillo (guest player), had a shutout in this second game with 12 saves on 18 shots.

Pumas took a loss against Long Beach Supreme SC Storm Sunday morning 3 - 1. SC Storm scored twice in the first half and once in the second half. Pumas Romero scored their only goal in the first half. Despite their first loss on Sunday morning, the Pumas took first in their bracket by 2 points.

In the Semifinals, Pumas lost to Los Angeles Rampage 3 - 1. Rampage got 3 quick goals in the first half. Pumas scored their goal just before half-time. Scoring for Pumas was Jose Saavedra off an assist from Anthony Mendez's free kick.