Local Trio Propels Squad to Soccer Tourney Title

Their uniforms said “Novato,” but don’t worry, Mill Valley soccer fans: It was only temporary.

Nathan Lopes, Jack Singer and Ben Lightner of the Mill Valley Fusion made the most of their guest appearances on the Novato U12B team recently, contributing timely goals to the squad’s championship run in the 25th Annual Novato Soccer Classic.

After recording 5-2 and 4-0 wins in pool play, the Novato squad swept the single-elimination competition, beating the Briceno Soccer Spartans 6-1, the Novato U11 entrant 3-0 and finally the Inter Rage Academy of Sacramento 3-2 in an exciting finale.

Lopes scored the game-winner in the finals after Singer had contributed a goal to the win over the younger Novato team. Lopes’ decisive goal came with about five minutes to go and broke a 2-2 tie.

“This final was an epic game by any standards -- very exciting to watch with great plays,” Novato coach Yasert Ortega observed.

And in the end, he knew who to thank.

“I heard about these players in the past. That's why I decided to invite them,” Ortega explained of reaching out for the Mill Valley trio. “They really helped us a lot on this tournament.

“All these players have my respect. They have a lot of potential and talent -- great players with a soccer future.”

On their way back to Mill Valley, the appreciative Ortega had a message for the three standouts.

"We learned a lot from you guys," he assured.