The Boys 2005 South Bay Matrix team coached by Ramiro Ramirez took first place in the San Diego Development Academy Flight 2 Gold Division. Coach Ramirez recently shared the excitement of receiving the team’s SDDA championship medals.

“This is for everyone!” Coach Ramirez said. “Thanks goes out to Director of Coaching Polo Aviles for sharing his knowledge with us. He passes on everything he learns at AYSO United to our coaching staff. Thanks also to SB Matrix Coordinator Anthony Millican and South AYSO Regional Commissioner Marco Beltran for all the administrative support.

“And kudos and thanks to all the coaches on our South Bay staff. I definitely learn from all of them. I watch their training sessions and take away something I can use every time. Go South Bay!” 

South Bay Matrix B2005 followed up its impressive Fall 2019 SDDA season by reaching the finals of the 2019 Las Vegas Thanksgiving Classic.

“This used to be just a fun trip,” Coach Ramirez said. “We would win one game and get blown out all the other games every year. The competition was so fierce. This year we are competing. Three wins and a tie gave us a chance for another championship.”

Although the South Bay boys lost in the tournament final, the effort was followed by additional individual accomplishments. A number of the boys made it on to their respective high school soccer squads.

“When they started the tryouts, I thought they would take one or two of my boys because there was a lot of competition,” Coach Ramirez said. “There were bigger and faster kids. But day after day I saw them weed out players that perhaps didn’t have the same desire or knowledge. So I have to say this is a proud moment for South Bay.”

DOC Aviles praised Coach Ramirez for his willingness to learn and apply his knowledge in his training sessions. “That is where matches are won and lost,” Aviles said. “Ramiro is a teacher by profession, and it shows in his ability to transfer his knowledge to his players. His boys have a great understanding of the tactical side of the game, as well as the skills necessary to compete among the higher levels of youth soccer.”