Fillmore California United FC 2013B Triumphs at CUFA Tahoe Summer Tournament 2025

On Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th, Fillmore’s California United FC U12 Boys team earned the Emerald Championship title at the prestigious CUFA “Come Up For Air” Summer Tournament. Top left: Coach Octavio Mejia, Jencarlo Mendez, Julian Martinez, Matt Duenas, Matt Flores, Obie Qualls, Julio Vargas, Joan Mendez, Assistant Coach Aciano Mendez, and Assistant Coach Victor Magana. Bottum left: Ezel Montes, Aydenn Martinez, Ethan Lomeli, Joseph Lomeli, Jaxon Cervantes, Julian Morones, and Vicente Magana. Photo credit Ricky Cervantes.

By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, June 27th, 2025

By Erika Arana

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA — In a thrilling display of grit and skill, California United FC’s U12 Boys (2013B) team claimed the 12U Emerald championship title at the prestigious CUFA “Come Up For Air” Summer Tournament, held June 14–15 in the breathtaking setting of South Lake Tahoe. The annual event, hosted by South Tahoe Futbol Club since 1996, brought together elite youth teams from across California and beyond.

Road to Glory

Group Stage Brilliance
California United 2013B dominated from the outset, emerging undefeated 3-0-0 in their group. With standout performances, they not only topped the standings but also secured an impressive goal differential heading into the Championship game.

Championship Drama

In a nail‑biting Final with heavy pressure from our offense we’re able to force a foul which resulted in a red card for the opponent’s keeper and leading to a free kick goal (Joan Mendez) putting us ahead by one. Showcasing defensive resilience and composure under pressure. They sealed their triumph with a last second goal 2–0 victory, highlighting their balanced play between attack and defense.
Joan Mendez was a force up front all weekend, earning Tournament MVP honors after scoring 5 goals and leading the attack with precision, composure, and unmatched work rate. His clutch finishing helped California United take early leads and control the tempo in every match.
“Joan brought not only goals but leadership,” said Head Coach Octavio Mejia. “He showed up in every moment we needed him.”

Defensive Backbone

While Mendez dazzled in attack, goalkeeper Obie Qualls was equally vital, recording two shutouts and delivering key saves throughout the tournament. His presence in goal anchored a backline that conceded just two goals all weekend.

Winning Culture – This victory adds to California United’s growing reputation in grassroots soccer. Previous success in tournaments like Central Coast and NPC Elite proves the strength and consistency of the club’s player development pathway .

Next Steps – With the summer circuit crowned by this CUFA win, the focus now shifts to fall league play and Winter Showcase events. The 2013B team is primed to carry its momentum forward into more competitive fixtures and regional championships.
Key Tournament Stats at a Glance

Tournament: CUFA Tahoe Summer 2025
Age Group: California United 12 Boys (2013B)
Record: 4-0-0
Offensive MVP: Joan Mendez (5 goals)
Head Coach: Octavio Mejia
Assistant Coach: Victor Magaña
Assistant Coach: Aciano Mendez

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Game 1 (1-0-0) California United 3-1 STFC
Goals: Ethan Lomeli, Joan Mendez (FK), Jencarlo Mendez
Assist: Matt Flores

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Game 2 (2-0-0) California United 3-1 SJR
Goals: Joan Mendez (FK) (2), Julio Vargas

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Game 3 (3-0-0) California United 3-0 Truckee
Goals: Julian Morones, Julio Vargas (2)
Shutout: Obie Qualls
Final (4-0-0) California United 2-0 STFC
Goals: Joan Mendez (FK) (2)
Assist: Ethan Lomeli
Shutout: Obie Qualls