Untouchables clear hurdles

The Untouchables faced two major challenges last weekend, and by rising to the occasion in both find themselves in first place.

The local boys’ Under-13 club soccer team took on the first- and second-place teams, the Fullerton Rangers and Arsenal Futbol Club, last weekend and by posting wins in both games assumed the top spot in the Silver Elite South Division.

On Saturday, the Untouchables defeated Arsenal FC, 2-1. Scoring goals for the Untouchables were Bobby Jinkins and Allen Montero. On Sunday, they beat the first-place Fullerton Rangers, 1-0, in a hard-fought battle in Fullerton. Andy Duong placed a header inside the Rangers goal for the lone score. Montero, playing in goal, recorded several saves to thwart the Rangers.

The two wins moved to Untouchables to 5-0-1 overall.

The boys’ U13 team I competing in its first year in the Silver Elite South Division. They advanced to the division after placing second in the Silver Division, played well in tournament action and advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Cup last year.

The boys’ U13 team, coached by Gabriel Montoya and managed by Gilda Banta, is: Montero, forwards Israel Rios, Garen Balikgioclu, Jack Slavik and Alessandro De La Cruz, midfielders Jinkins, Duong, Daniel Banta, Christian Keys, Taigen Hegberg, Anthony Kiriaki and Calvin Cruz, and defenders Michael Salcedo, Kobie Anton, Adam Hepburn and Kevin Whalen.

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AYSO Girls’ U14 Division

Fountain Valley (Region 5) 2, Huntington Beach (Region 143), 0: Nike Power forward Samantha Stevens scored twice and Sara Kanthong had several saves Saturday to help Fountain Valley (Region 5) shut out host Huntington Beach (Region 143) at Meadow View School in Huntington Beach.

In another match, Betty Markarian gave Nike Power an early 1-0 lead when she scored on a touch of a corner kick in the first quarter, but it wasn’t enough as Region 5 fell to visiting Huntington Beach (Region 55), 3-1, at Mile Square Park.

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Pop Warner Football

Huntington Beach 26, Anaheim 0: The Green Chargers continued their undefeated season Saturday by shutting down the Rams in a Jr. Pee Wee Division game.

Chase Ault opened the scoring with a 90-yard punt return and later scored the team’s final touchdown on a three-yard run. Isaiah Manos scored his first touchdown of the season and Nick Warren scored on a 25-yard run.

The Huntington defense continued to shut down the opponent, this time, led by the tackling and line play of Xavier Salgado, Zane Webster, Joseph Flannery, Kyle Scotia and Logan Harris. The perimeter defense again was anchored by Zack Edsell, who shut down the Rams’ running game.

The Green Chargers will attempt to close out the regular season undefeated Saturday when they host the San Clemente Tritons at 10 a.m. at Edison High.