AYSO South Bay’s U13G Matrix Elite team defeated rival Nado 2-1 in overtime on Sunday, February 22, 2015 to advance to the Final Four of the State Cup Presidents Division. The semis take place on Saturday, February 21 in San Bernardino.

“We’re very proud of the girls, who showed they are skillful as well as mentally tough,” said Anthony Millican, Matrix South Bay Coordinator. “They handle pressure well. The burden of expectations seems to fall more and more upon their opponents with each match.”

South Bay trailed Nado 1-0 at the half. The equalizer came in the second half, which seemed to swing the momentum to the Matrix Elite squad. South Bay scored in the first overtime period, and held on to secure the victory.

Coach Polo Aviles was complimentary of Nado, which plays just up the Silver Strand from South Bay’s home fields. “They made us earn it,” Aviles said. “We’ve played them before, so they knew our plays and style of play. This was a hard fought, well earned victory and hats off to Nado for a competitive match.”

The South Bay girls had knocked out another local rival, Rebels Blue of eastern Chula Vista, 1-0 on Saturday, February 21 to advance to the quarter-finals.

Aviles said his team is not satisfied just advancing. “This isn’t over yet. We’re happy to advance to the semis, but we believe in each other and believe the State Cup can be ours for the taking no matter how challenging these last steps are going to be,” he said.

Photo Caption: South Bay U13G Matrix Elite squad proudly represents their community–and AYSO—in the Cal South State Cup Presidents Division.

About Matrix South Bay FC

Matrix South Bay Futbol Club is dedicated to providing a quality player development program using the philosophies and programs of the American Youth Soccer Organization. Our goals are to provide youth players an environment that nurtures and develops their abilities in soccer within a competitive arena that matches their skill with basic values and character development off the pitch.