Dear Coaches, Team Managers, Players and Parents:

I am proud to note that Matrix South Bay FC completed its most successful season ever, with 40 more wins than losses among our teams in the Presidio League. Three of our seven teams won first place, and another won second place. The amazing level of play from our teams is evident in our collective record of 60 wins, 20 losses, and 10 ties. We were a small club in terms of teams, but mighty in our level of play. In addition, for the first time I can remember, our teams in the Presidio League did not receive a single player or coach red card. That is outstanding.

In the new San Diego Development Academy, our two girls older teams took some lumps, literally, with a number of injuries. But I am proud to say that each team fought hard to the last minute of their respective last matches. The teams each entered the season in a rebuilding mode, and will clearly be stronger in the coming year.

Congratulations go out to our U12G Red and U12G White teams. Both finished in first place. For the U12G Red team, coached by Hector Gonzalez and assisted by Polo Aviles, it is their second consecutive first place finish in Presidio competition.  They went undefeated in compiling an 11-0-2 record. For the U12G White, coached by Joel Garcia, this is a great success story. Coach Joel and Asst. Coach Ivan Martinez began training the team last winter under a lamp post at the South Bay Recreation Center Park with just a handful of players. With the great assistance of trainer Marco Meza, this team gradually attracted players from across the area.  They finished 10-1-1. Let me say it again. Congratulations to the U12G White and U12G Red teams. Equally awesome! Presidio League Champions.

Our U19G AAA Matrix team also finished first, posting an 11-1 record. This, too, is a tremendous success story. The team rebuilt itself into Presidio League Champions from one season to the next. Credit goes to Coach Santiago Villanueva, who juggled two Matrix teams throughout the season. Our U19G team is our oldest team, and many of the players started in South Bay AYSO when they were 4-5 years old. We are very proud to see how so many have grown into varsity high school players, and with such great success in Matrix as well. Way to go, ladies!

Our South Bay U14G Matrix team took second place this season, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds we have seen in a while. A huge ‘Thank You’ to Coach Luiz Loya, whose exceptional skill and ability with youth was noted by many. Awesome!

South Bay Matrix U11B and U12B teams each took third place in their respective divisions. Our U11B team coached by Luis Sanchez was the highest scoring team in our club, and likely in their bracket in AA-B. Coach Santiago’s U12B team compiled a 6-2-4 record in its first season in AA-A. ‘Well done’ to each boys team!

A special thanks goes out to our longtime trainer and director Diego Terry, whose assistance was invaluable in establishing a strong foundation for our club within the spirit and guidelines of AYSO. Coach Diego’s knowledge of the game, and skill in working with youth is applauded, and appreciated. It was because of Coach Diego that we first established a winning tradition. He will be missed, and we wish him well in his new endeavors. More recently, trainer Marco Meza began assisting our teams, and we appreciate his work too in demanding proper technique and skill development. We thank Mr. Meza, too, for his work with our teams.

We are undergoing significant changes as we close 2013 and look forward to 2014. Matrix South Bay is excited to announce Guillermo “Memo” Medina as our new Director of Coaching for the 2014 season. Coach Memo brings 20 years of coaching experience, from assisting at the Southwestern College and San Diego State University Men’s teams to serving as an instructor for Cal South and NSCAA in coaching education. He holds a USSF ‘B’ license, NSCAA Premier diploma, MS in Physical Education, and is currently the Athletic Director at Southwest High School. It is no accident that the Men’s Varsity at Southwest High has made the CIF playoffs eight years in a row, including several Finals appearances. We welcome Coach Memo to Matrix South Bay/AYSO 712.

Be on the lookout for January 28 and January 30 tryout information (younger divisions) for next season’s teams!

Sincerely,

Anthony Millican

Coordinator/Operations Director, Matrix South Bay

Asst. Commissioner, South Bay AYSO

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