By Curt Gordon
and soccer alumni met for the eighth year Saturday to play the Ryan Gordon Alumni Games.
Gordon was a 2003 graduate of Foothill who was killed in a jet ski accident shortly after graduation. He had planned on attending Santa Barbara City College and to play soccer there.
Despite a cool, foggy day the games were played before an excited, supportive crowd. Co-ed players were from the graduating classes of the 1970s, '80s, '90s and the past decade.
There were 70 players — 48 men and 22 women — many of them returning players. A few had battled each other other in the '70s—Dion Hock (FHS, 1978), Kevin Crow (AVHS, 1979) and Joe Carlucci (AVHS, 1976).
Proceeds will go to the men's and women's soccer programs at the two high schools. This year's games raised $7,000, bringing the total since 2003 to nearly $50,000. These games raised the most money since they began in 2003.
During the first game, the Foothill women extended their winning streak to four games with a 5-4 score. Foothill was leading comfortably 5-1 with 10 minutes remaining when Amador made a furious comeback, eventually falling just short.
Foothill now has won six of the eight games.
Jillian Sweetnam (2006) scored first for the winners, followed by three goals from Kimmie Patrick (1999) and a goal by Ashlyn Mazur (2009). Allie Cefalo (2004), Amanda Luxford (2009), Alicia Lemoine (1988) and Amber Goelz (2001) had assists. Christina (Nina) Cefalo was outstanding in goal.
Scoring for Amador were Valerie Mayer (2002), Beverly Mayer (2004), Jessica Daut (2011) and Tina Peterson (1998). Assisting the goals were Daut, Sheri Kapp (1981), Tessie Wagner-Pease (1981) and Ann Peterson (1981). Laura Burton (2008) was solid as the goalie.
The men's side saw Amador getting by Foothill 2-1 and continuing their series dominance by winning seven of the eight games played to date.
Amador scored first on a penalty kick by George Mayer (2008), but the game soon was tied on a spectacular chip shot by Dion Hock. He was assisted by Quinn Tomlin (2002) and Corey Caprista (2002). Mayer broke the tie with a spectacular blast from the right side with two minutes left in regulation, avoiding what was beginning to look like overtime.
The halftime intermissions featured youth players from the Ballistic United Rage Soccer Clubs. Parents and friends of the kids and alumni crowded the stands.
Many friends of Ryan Gordon also attended — 12 of his ex-teammates played.
Volunteers manned the snack bar, collected tickets, announced the action and refereed the games. Additionally, members of the high school teams chased errant balls and warmed the players.
The and sponsored the event.
Each winning team receives a trophy that stays at the winning high school. Next year's games will be held at Foothill High School.
