Gryphons Soccer Club (GSC) Teams Shine at Norcal State Cup

Editor's Note: The following article has been submitted by the Gryphons Soccer Club. Patch encourages everyone in San Mateo County to submit their own articles and/or letters to the editor. Visit www.patch.com to find your town and editor's contact information.

By Anu Subramanian

GSC '98 Girls White Team

The Gryphons 98G White team are now in the top 4 teams in their age group, in competition for third place at Norcal State Cup. Look here for their progression and game results.

The team began the first round of 2010 NorCal State Cup preliminary games in September and October 2010, with shutout wins over Belmont Oaks (2-0), Mustang Strikers (3-0), and NCSA Xtreme (6-0). On November 6, the team began the second round of seeding games with a pivotal victory against SCA 99G Black (2-1). Three more victories against Bay Oaks Bombers 98 Gold (2-1), Livermore Fusion 98G Maroon (1-0), and San Ramon Azurri (2-0), and the Gryphons found themselves facing the 98G RAYS in the State Cup semi finals. The girls lost a hard fought game to the RAYS, but will now face the 98G Mustang Magic for third place on February 12th.

Since becoming NorCal State Cup 2009 Gold Division Champions, the team had not lost any State Cup games leading up to the semi-finals. Emphasizing individual development, creativity, and patience, Coach Ricardo Marta, Jr. watched as the girls pushed themselves in practice and conditioning sessions leading into the season. From playing small sided games indoor to running the hills of Sawyer Camp trail in Millbrae, the girls worked at increasing their speed and fitness. But work may be the wrong word to describe what they do, as anyone who has watched one of their games can see these girls play with a joy and passion for the game rarely seen at U-12.

The 98G is looking at expanding their roster for the 2011 seasons. If you would like to be part of a dedicated and talented team, please contact Coach Ric at rgnmarta23@aol.com to participate in one of our training sessions.

GSC '00 Boys Red Team

The Gryphons '00 Boys Red team finished in 7th place in their age group at the Norcal State Cup. Even though game results are not a priority at this developmental stage, it was nice to see the boys making it to the top 8 group in NorCal State Cup, and gradually consolidating as one of the top teams in the Peninsula in U10 Boys. Look here for their progression and game results.

The team, having gone through a coaching staff transition, started the fall 2010 season with renewed energy and enthusiasm. The training curriculum continued to be implemented in a disciplined, structured and organized manner, with a focus on psychomotor skills and coordination components. In addition, a distinctive ball possession style of play, which is a key trademark of all Gryphons teams, was prioritized by the coaching staff (Head Coach Andres Deza and Assistant Coach Augie Peccei), while also reinforcing individual player creativity. The boys responded very well and enjoyed the season thoroughly.

This team is looking at expanding their roster in the future when they get to 11 aside, so if you are interested in joining one of our training sessions, please contact Coach Andres at andres_deza@hotmail.com.

About the Gryphons Soccer Club

The Gryphons Soccer Club (GSC) is a non-profit organization that promotes youth soccer on the San Francisco Peninsula in California. Players come from towns all over the San Francisco Peninsula, including Belmont, San Carlos, San Mateo, Foster City, Redwood City, San Francisco and the South Bay. For more information about the GSC, visit their website at http://gryphonssoccer.com.