Diablo FC 98 Girls Win U10 Halloween
Classic in shootout
October 27,
2008
The dynamic Diablo
Futbol Club 98 girls captured the Under 10 Black
Division championship medals last Sunday before
a cheering home crowd when they narrowly
defeated Santa Clara Sporting 98 Green 4-3 in
the 10th annual Halloween Kick or Treat Classic
at Boatwright Fields in Concord.
The talented group of 9- and 10-year-old girls
was formed early this year and pulled together
as a unit to edge the undefeated and favored
squad from Santa Clara. After being down by two
goals in the first 45 seconds of the
championship game, the Diablo FC 98 Golden
Dragons rallied around their speed,
determination and spirit to come back. Scores by
Minyon Moore and Fiona Dolan eventually brought
them within 3-2. They tied it up on a goal by
Sophia Panella near the end of regulation,
forcing extra time to determine the champion.
There were several shots on goal by each team in
the two overtime periods but none went in the
net.
Moore and Briana Perez scored their kicks in the
shootout but were matched by two scorers for
Sporting. Diablo FC goalie Briana Perez was able
to stop three Sporting attempts so the shootout
continued. The tension was finally cut and the
celebration began when Perez blocked a powerful
Sporting shot and allowed the Dragons a chance
to win. Forward Katie Hoyt sent in a bomb that
not only left the net smoking but spectators and
teammates alike jumping in happiness.
In order to reach the finals, Diablo FC 98 won
their three preliminary round games in the U10
Black Division. They started out with a 7-0 win
over Sporting 98 White, 5-0 shutout of FC
Fremont Xtreme and then got a narrow 4-3 win
over Walnut Creek Piranhas. Santa Clara Sporting
98 Green was also unbeaten in its three games
leading up to the finale.
Diablo FC 98 is undefeated this season and hopes
to continue the winning record as they travel to
Sacramento in November for the NorCal U10 State
Cup.
The team staff is comprised of head coach Kent
Tambazidis, assistant Dana Livingston and
manager Sabrina Emigh. Players include Dolan,
Hoyt, Anita McNally, Samantha Perez, Katie
Christman, Gabriela Tambazidis, Cynthia O’Neil,
Moore, Sarah Emigh, Briana Perez, Jenna
Livingston and Panella. The team works in
concert with the Diablo FC 98 Blue players, also
coached by Tambazidis.
 
Diablo FC 98
U10 Halloween Classic Champions - Back row
(from left) Dana Livingston and Kent Tambazidis;
middle row (from left) Jenna Livingston, Sophia
Panella, Anita McNally, Katie Hoyt, Fiona Dolan;
front row (from left) Briana Perez, Sarah Emigh,
Samantha Perez, Gabriela Tambazidis, Minyon
Moore, Cynthia O'Neil and Katie Christman.
2008
Tournament Results
Costume Contest Winners & Tournament
Championship Scores
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