Youth Scene: CdM unbeaten in All-Star tourney

The Corona del Mar AYSO boys’ 14-and-under All-Stars completed an unbeaten run in the Area All-Star Tournament with six wins and two ties to capture the championship.

The four-week tournament included teams from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin.

The CdM All-Stars completed their season on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Tustin, the only other previously unbeaten team.

Luke Mink scored the winning goal on a well-placed corner kick from Christian Cernich.

Over the course of the All-Star tournament CdM outscored their opponents, 19-3. Brothers Jon and Brett Wirta led the team in scoring.

The CdM team was particularly strong on defense. Goalie Connell MacLean recorded five shutouts in eight games aided by the great support from defenders Julian Ricci, Brandon Cargile, Aiden Murray and Nathan Fallahi.

“Our schedule was impacted by rain delays and school final exams, so we didn’t have the opportunity to train as much as we would have liked,” Coach Dave Wirta said. “But, I was very impressed with how the boys jelled as a team and the determination they showed in every game. I was proud to coach such a great group of boys.”

— Reader submission