FOLSOM – Tuesday’s Folsom City Council meeting opened with a moment of hometown pride as Mayor Sarah Aquino and the council recognized the Folsom Lake Surf Soccer Club ECNL Regional League 2011 Boys team for their outstanding achievement as national champions.
Before a crowd of parents, players, and community members, Mayor Aquino presented an official Resolution of Commendation honoring the team’s dedication, teamwork, and championship season that brought national attention to Folsom’s youth sports community.
“For 16 boys who trained all year with Head Coach and Executive Director Fritz Libby, this title represents not only talent but incredible discipline and sportsmanship,” the resolution read. “They represented the City of Folsom with exceptional teamwork, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm for the game.”
The resolution listed the championship roster — Tate McAninch, Ethan Shoemaker, Arsam Nassimi, Aatif Tariq, Rafael Hollanda, Christian Pusey, Henry Pengel, Brady Murphy, Roman Guzman, Lucas Thompson, Steven Ball, Davis Gilbert, Ryan Lear, Cole Thornton, Drake Dalton, and Davandeep Takhar — all of whom played key roles in a season that culminated with the club’s first-ever national title in their age division.
The team captured the NorCal ECNL Regional League championship, won the NorCal Premier State Cup, and claimed the ECNL West Regional Playoffs title, setting the stage for a strong showing at the ECNL Regional League Finals held in Richmond, Virginia, this past July.
According to the city’s commendation, “The team traveled to Richmond, Virginia, playing against three top programs from across the country, dominating the games, scoring a combined 11 goals to their opponents’ 2.”
As Mayor Aquino presented the resolution, she congratulated the players, coaches, and their families, stating, “On behalf of the Folsom City Council and the Folsom community, we extend our excitement for this national championship and wish them continued success.”
The recognition concluded with applause from the audience as the players and coaches accepted the city’s commendation.
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