AYSO: Amoeba triumphs

IRVINE - Amoeba 2000, a Newport Beach-based AYSO under-14 boys

team, defeated the Marauders, 2-0, to win the league’s area playoff

tournament Sunday at Windrow Field.

The Amoeba won all four games in its flight, before emerging

victorious in the title game. The locals, coached by Tom Acosta, were led

by Jon Mena, who scored both goals in the final from his left wing

position.

Sean Rowe, Niko Hendricks and Brandon Sowers were additional offensive

catalysts Saturday, while the defense, keyed by Philip Houten, Chase

Nelson, Luis Ordaz, Clayton Heiser and goalkeeper Tony Rivas, allowed

only five goals the entire tournament.

“Mr. Wild Thing,” Patrick Murphy, was awarded Saturday’s game ball for

picking up the slack for one of the team’s key utility players, who broke

his foot during Saturday’s action.

Amoeba 2000 advances to the sectional championships, including teams

from Orange, San Diego, and Los Angeles counties.