The under 19 boys won their league with a record of 7-0-2. They faced teams from anywhere between Monterey and San Mateo and averaged an impressive five goals a game while allowing fewer than one.

"This was one of the most balanced teams I have ever had the privilege of coaching," said head coach Mark Chapman.

The defense was led by goaltenders James Lustenader and Jerry Johnson, who were assisted by their sweepers and backs that allowed fewer than four shots on goal per game. Chris Chapman, Ben Kagramonov, Brandon Perez, Ian Graves, Ben Tilles and Jose Moriera all were a major part of the defensive unit.

The midfield players consisted of Hayan Artan, Greg Jones, Mike Thermond, Berooz Kaabipour, Justin Kapur, Konsty Konstantin and Chris Etterman.

Saratoga's forwards were led by Jordan Geraci, Lorenzo Moriera and Navid Panah-Rastegar, with Etterman being the overall goal leader for the team, with multiple goals from his position in the midfield.

This is the fourth year in a row that Saratoga's boys have qualified for the section tournament.

Strikers second

Along with the under 19 boys, the Saratoga Strikers were outstanding in girls under 14 play, taking second place in the AYSO Area 2J tournament.

After 11 regular season games, the Strikers had an 8-1-2 record, which led all of the Saratoga teams.

"This team had a great balance of players that could score," said head coach Dave Gragnola. "They could control the midfield and play superior defense. On top of that, we had three reliable goalies."

The tournament pitted the eight best teams in the under 14 division against each other. The Strikers tied their first game against Prunedale 1-1 and defeated Cupertino 2-1. The Strikers then faced the 6-2-2 San Jose Phoenix and posted a 1-0 victory with a late goal in the first half and with some supreme goaltending by Holly Mueller.

Saratoga faced the 9-1 West San Jose Force for the championship, but were unable to defeat the Force.

"It was a game where two excellent teams put on a show. I'm not disappointed that we lost," said Gragnola. "We showed great determination and we never gave up. I am proud of our performance."

Hummingbirds win

The Saratoga Hummingbirds, an under 12 girls team, won the AYSO District Championship at Kennedy Junior High in Cupertino.

The Hummingbirds defeated the best teams of West San Jose, Watsonville, Cupertino and even other Saratoga teams.

The girls of the Hummingbirds, flew through the competition by winning all of their four games in the tournament, scoring 10 goals and giving up none. The Hummingbirds defeated the Strikers 2-0 for the tournament title.

Renegades first

The Saratoga Renegades, after finishing in first place in the boys soccer under 12 age group in the Saratoga league, took second place in the AYSO Area competition. The best teams from the Prunedale, Watsonville, West San Jose, Cupertino and Saratoga leagues made up the competition in the AYSO Area. The Renegades will now be playing in the AYSO Sectional tournament against some of the best teams in the Bay Area.