SAN DIEGO, California - Some of the best performances and most memorable moments on the final day of the Surf College Cup on Sunday actually came from non-champions.

Teary-eyed, U16 Girls Santa Clara coach Jose Luis Hernandez sat alone on a bench following his team’s 1-0 semifinal triumph over San Diego Surf Blue. He was taking a moment to reflect just how far his group had come since he took them over in March.

So when Slammers FC eventually captured the U16 Super Division championship, it took nothing away from Santa Clara’s achievement, and in truth, their making the finals at all seemed to mean as much to their team as the title did to the Slammers.

“When I took over this team it was just pieces,” Hernandez said. “Our goal was to try to put everything together to play the type of games we did today. My goal is for this team to be No. 1 - I know we’re far away but we’re going to do it. We’re not done yet.”

The Slammers didn’t allow a goal in their final two matches and received good performances by midfielder Elisabetta Impagliazzo and striker Katie Donahue, among others like: Makenzy Doniak, Erin Owen, Aubrey Baker and Allyson Brahs.

In the final, they took out a very good Santa Clara team which boasts Mariana Galvan, one of the most dynamic players in the tourney and a prospect with a bright future ahead of her. Tessa Lee had a big day including a nifty goal in the semis for Santa Clara, which also boasts Mariana Gomez and Lindsay Mewes.

U17 Boys Super Division

Santa Clara Sporting was always the most dangerous team in their draw and the only force that could stop them was West Coast FC Premier, who seems to have their number at the moment. But West Coast was eliminated in the semifinals clearing the way for Santa Clara’s 3-1 championship win over South Bay Force.  

The Sporting have attackers all over the lot, definitely more game-breakers than anyone else and it showed up in the final.

But what sticks out about the final day of U17 competition, was the semifinal between South Bay and West Coast. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, forcing penalty kicks. It was the kind of match that was the perfect showcase for a goalkeeper.

Enter Blessing Ngwa, South Bay’s passionate netminder. Ngwa made several critical saves throughout the day including two stops during the PK session that led to the win. Not the most imposing physical presence in net, Ngwa has great anticipatory skills and the knack for making himself bigger in goal.

“I just work at it,” Ngwa said. “In practice and on my own go. Sometimes I’ll go  to the park and run up and down stairs. Whatever it takes. I enjoy the challenge.”

U17 Girls Super Division

The So Cal Blues Dodge proved they were the top team in their division as they never dropped a match. The Blues held off Santa Clarita United Blazers 1-0 in the final and showcased their embarrassment of talent in all areas: Haley Rosen, Lauren Bohaboy, Kaitlin Dickmann ... and on, and on.

In defeat, Santa Clarita delivered a memorable moment by beating Real So Cal in the semis in penalty kicks. The thrilling match ended dramatically on Vanessa Skrumbis’ final PK conversion.

Real So Cal actually controlled the bulk of their match - and showed some real talent: Vania Robles was one of our favorites as she’s quick and skilled, but most importantly she plays with purpose and passion; Marie Mackenzie was great in moving the attack along from the back and goalkeeper Heather Haney made some great saves to extend the match.  

U16 Boys Super Division

The ball must have been 20 feet in the air. It was a service sent in the Slammers FC B93 scoring zone, and Ethan Morrow waited on it before soaring high above teammates and defenders to head in the set piece winner.

Morrow’s first half score stood up in the Slammer’s 1-0 championship win over Sereno 94 but it was a final that was much more lopsided than the score indicated. The Slammers won most of the possession and dominated the 50-50 opportunities.

Striker John McBean was one of the many highlights for the eventual champs. He used his size well and was methodical with the ball at his feet. The entire team combined admirably and looked like the top team they proved to be.