GI Janes come close, but finish second in tourney

The GI Janes, an Under-8 division travel team out of AYSO Region 56 (southern Huntington Beach), took second place last weekend at the Rich Bailey’s Friendship Tournament in Anaheim.

The team finished the opening day of play Saturday tied for first in bracket play with the Irvine Blades and forced the teams to hold a shoot-out Sunday morning. The GI Janes were able to connect on three of five shots in the shootout while their own keeper, Jackie Ruggiero, allowed the Blades just one goal as the GI Janes won the bracket.

Still, the teams met later Sunday in the championship game. The GI Janes scored first when Destinee Manzo found the net off an assist by Malia Walencewicz just minutes into the game. The teams were tied, 1-1, at the half but Irvine scored three times in the second half to come away with a 4-1 victory.

— Mike Sciacca