Soccer alumni games raise $1,002 for Bulldog scholarships

By Joe Naiman

Ramona High School varsity-alumni soccer game is the one game each season that Michael Jordan, the school’s varsity boys soccer coach, doesn’t favor the Bulldog varsity.

Jordan, a 1989 Ramona High graduate, plays on the alumni side. This year’s game, played Jan. 4 on the Bulldog field, ended in a 2-2 tie.

“Both sides really wanted to win,” Jordan said.

While winning provides bragging rights for the next year, the purpose of the annual contest, a doubleheader that also includes a girls game, is to raise money for scholarships. Jordan was pleased that the game raised $1,002 for Ramona High seniors.

The varsity girls team beat the alumni 2-0.

The day began with a soccer clinic for youths ages 4 through 14. The boys varsity and girls varsity assisted with the clinic, which included 16 youths seeking to learn soccer skills.

“It went well,” Jordan said. “The high school kids were fantastic with the younger ones.”

Varsity assistant coach

Mike Diaz, varsity assistant coach, one of Jordan’s Ramona High teammates, also played for the alumni. Assistant coach Bill Pittsford, a Hilltop High graduate, coached the varsity. Pittsford was Ramona’s head coach when Jordan played. The alumni squad consisted of recent Bulldogs as well as “a handful of guys that were older than me,” Jordan said.

The alumni’s first goal was from 2007 graduate Orion Cordova. Aeden Maruna initially put the varsity on the scoreboard.

The alumni took a 2-1 lead when Art Tovar, a 1987 graduate, placed a ball into the net.

“It was nice to have an old guy get on the scoreboard,” Jordan said.

Jordan himself was held scoreless, although one of his shots deflected off the goalpost.

With about 11 minutes remaining in the second half, Carlos Morales scored the tying goal.

“It was a good game. It was back and forth,” Jordan said.

Jerry Asbury and Alex Villegas volunteered as referees for both the boys and the girls match. Former boys assistant coach Scott Poortinga announced for the boys game. Former girls head coach Tom Charbonneau announced the girls contest.

Jordan will coach the varsity boys team tomorrow when the Bulldogs play at Vista High School.