Soccer All-Stars Win National Title

The Balboa Park All Stars soccer team from the West Valley has won the gold medal in the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games.

The team of 9- and 10-year-olds is the first Valley-area squad to win the national contest, according to their coach.

The 14 young athletes received their gold medals Friday in Virginia Beach, Va. To win their division, the All Stars bested a field of 20 teams from throughout the United States during the weeklong event.

“A combination of great attitudes and dedication were the keys to the success of the team and these kids really understood that,” said coach Penny Pourat who was selected coach of the year by the team’s governing body, Hawthorne-based American Youth Soccer Organization.

Pourat said tough defense was the hallmark of her team during the season and in the tournament. They beat the Tomahawks of Virginia Beach on Friday, 1-0.

All Stars’ midfielder Josh Leon scored in the title game after receiving a pass from Oscar Garcia.

“Our defense took care of the rest,” Pourat said.

With the victory, the All Stars finished with 42 wins, four losses and three ties.

The championship was the last match the team will play together. They will be split up Monday when the soccer league holds its annual draft from a pool of 2,000 West Valley youth soccer players.

The All Stars will be honored by the AYSO at Balboa Park in Encino on Sept. 12 as part of the league’s opening ceremony.