South Bay AYSO’s GU14 Matrix Elite team fought to the end in each match this weekend in capturing the San Clemente Surf Summer Classic. The South Bay girls finished first in bracket play with two 1-0 matches. Then in the Semi-Final, they won 2-1 so set up a showdown in the final versus Inland Empire Surf. The Matrix Elite squad won in PKs 3-2, defeating an IE Surf team ranked 31st in the State. Matrix Elite also defeated IE Surf during last spring’s State Cup competition.

South Bay’s Matrix Elite team has won consecutive tournaments, part of the team’s preparation for the Fall 2015 San Diego Development Academy season that begins September 12. The teamwork has only increased in recent matches, even as the team has played with a target on its back considering the girls reached the finals of last year’s prestigious State Cup. Coach Polo Aviles said he could not be more proud of his 14 players—a committed and dedicated squad.

“I love these girls, they’ve given me the most precious moment in my coaching career during State Cup, and I’ve been coaching a long time, 20 plus years and counting,” Aviles said. “I need memories like this. They continue to work hard and apply what they have learned in their training sessions.”