Sidelines: Chargers reach NPL semifinals in Colorado

+ Chargers reach NPL semifinals in Colorado
The Lakewood Ranch Chargers U13 boys soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the NPL Champions Cup July 18 through July 22, in Aurora, Colo.

The Chargers, who advanced to the tournament after winning the Florida Premier League title early this year, went undefeated in the group stage to win their bracket and earn a spot in the semifinals.

Lakewood opened the tournament with a 5-1 victory over Washington’s Cobra Aguilitas. Alessandro Ciaccio, Henry Howell, Aristotle Zarris, Joel Sumaljag and Freddy Manriquez each scored a goal in the win.

The Chargers followed up their win with a 1-0 victory over Chicago’s Sockers FC. Sumaljag scored the game-winning goal.

The Chargers concluded group play with a 5-2 victory over California’s Fullerton Rangers. Howell scored three goals, and Zarris and Ozzie Herrera each scored a goal.

Lakewood fell to New Jersey’s PDA 3-0 in the semifinals. PDA went on to defeat FC Dallas to win the championship.

The Chargers U13 will return to practice Aug. 12 in preparation for their upcoming season as part of the Chargers U13/14 US Soccer Federation Development Academy team.

+ Tennis coach returns to familiar ground in the East County
Jason Golden recently was named the new girls tennis coach at The Out-of-Door Academy.

The Summerfield resident, who spent six years coaching at Lakewood Ranch High, returns to the East County after spending the last two seasons coaching at Venice High School.

Golden will replace Noel Dougherty.

+ Manatee Golf Club will reopen with a ‘grand’ golf tournament
The Manatee Golf Club golf course will officially reopen Aug. 19 with a VIP Grand Reopening Golf Tournament.

The course closed May 1 to undergo renovation of the greens, including installation of TifEagle Bermuda turfgrass on all 18 greens. The course also is scheduled to receive a new fleet of electric golf carts in September.

The Manatee Golf Club golf course will be open for general play beginning Aug. 20. Individuals interested can begin making tee times Aug. 13 for the Aug. 20 reopening, by calling the golf shop at 792-6773 or visiting golfmanatee.com.

For more information, contact Pope Golf at 444-6600 or [email protected].

+ Local racer leads Northeast Series
East County resident Conner Dutting-Morrell won a Junior Honda class race July 27 through July 28, in Fulton, N.Y.

He also finished second in a Junior Animal race.

With the win, Dutting-Morrell currently is first in the Northeast Series standings with one race remaining at the end of August. He also is sixth in the National Series standings.

Dutting-Morrell competed in his final national race of the season Aug. 3 through Aug. 4, in Lakeville, Ind.