Plagued by illness and other obligations for 4 significant players, Terremoto traveled away for two games this weekend, first landing in Newark for a league game, and then traveling to Merced for its first State Cup game.  The depleted squad could not hold its lead in the first game, barely losing 3-2, with two outstanding unassisted goals by central defender and captain that day, Tracy resident Gavin Su.  One of the goals was a well-placed penalty kick that brought further momentum to the comeback, as Terremoto goalkeeper Liam Souza had made an incredible save on a Newark penalty kick a few minutes earlier.  Souza has not allowed a goal from a penalty kick this season, resulting in his coach nicknaming him, “Mr. Penalties”, or “El Hombre Penales”.

In Merced Sunday against the home team Albion, two players returned and the team again scored some unassisted goals, with Tracy’s Julian Marron again terrorizing the tough opposing team’s defense with two goals.  One was a beautifully placed rocketed corner kick that gave Terremoto the edge.  The other goals was another heads up pressuring goal, with Marron’s gazelle-like speed.  Two attacking defenders also scored in this contest, one lined shot by Luke Achziger, and the other a looping shot by Tracy’s Grayson Ryan in the far corner of the goal, who gave the opposing team fits with his many long runs and crosses up the sideline.  Goalkeeper Collin Perry helped keep the defense solid, barking out help and directions to the stalwart defense in the 4-1 victory.

After this game, four Tracy players were guest players for the Tsunami team, victorious in Tracy by a score of 1-0 over Alameda, including Marron, Su, Ryan, and Tony Mendoza.

The team has dedicated its season to Tony Mendoza’s father, Miguel Mendoza, who lost his life in a tragic accident and hospital stay.  Miguel Mendoza’s inspirational passion and love for the game, the Tracy team, and his sons, was well-evident to all who knew him.  It is a tragedy Tony will not have his dad cheering him on from the sidelines, as he continues to play now with the emotional word “DAD” inscribed on the back of his jersey this year.    

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Tony and family, at https://gofund.me/6004df70