Two soccer teams win titles

Jeff Tully

BURBANK -- For 10 American Youth Soccer Organization from Burbank,

they didn’t spend their Thanksgiving holiday lying around loading up on

turkey.

Instead, the local squads took part in the 11th annual Myles Standish

Invitational Tournament at the Rose Bowl over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Along with the Burbank teams, the event also featured some of the top

youth organizations in Southern California.

Two Burbank teams won tournament titles, the first time locals have

pulled off double victories in six years.

The Girls’ Under-16 Team -- coached by Alfred Torres and Manuel Sagory

-- defeated teams from San Pedro, North Hills, Hollywood, Culver City and

Pasadena to reach the finals.

Burbank won the tournament by beating San Pedro again, this time in

overtime.

Forwards Michelle Jacobovitz and Daisy Ortiz led Burbank on offense,

while goalies Kim Gardena and Amanda Ellerbrock came up big, allowing

just two goals in the tournament.

For the Boys’ Under-12 Team, they defeated 16 other teams to gain

their championship. The team is coached by Brad Welker and Carlos Levia.

The Burbank AYSO has more than 1,500 participants from age 5 to 18.

Its season runs from August to December.