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Ryan Gordon Alumni Games raise $6,000 for soccer programs
67 players from 1970s through 2010 take part

The Ryan Gordon Alumni Games celebrated their 10th year Jan. 5 by raising $6,000 for men's and women's soccer programs at Foothill and Amador Valley high schools.

Foothill took both the men's and women's games, although statistically on the men's side, Amador remains ahead in the 10-year continuation of the cross-town rivalry. This year featured 67 players, 43 men and 24 women, many of them returnees from prior years.

The men's side saw Foothill getting by Amador, 2-0. Amador still dominates the series, winning seven of the 10 games played so far. Dag Norton (2009) opened up the scoring with an unassisted, 35-yard bullet early in the game. Foothill later added a second goal by Boomer Cruz (2006) with an assist from Norton.

Niko Lecco (2009) was outstanding in goal, shutting out Amador for the first time by either team in the 10-year series. His 22 saves included a save on a penalty kick awarded Amador when George Mayer (2009) was pulled down in the box. Kevin Crow (1979), Steven Volking (1986), Robert Gilliam (1987), Ito Zapata (2001), Scott Berglin (1987) and Tim Grey (1992) kept pressure on Foothill throughout the game.

Foothill women continued their winning ways, with a final score of 4-1. Foothill has now won seven of the 10 games.

Jillian Sweetnam (2006) scored two goals for the winners, with Alicia Robertson (2000) and Kirstie Rodrigues (2007) each adding a goal. Gabi Lemoine (2012) was solid in goal for Foothill allowing just one score.

Amador scored early in the second half when Sydney Ruegsegger (2012) found the net. Ann Peterson (1981), Mary Scavone (1989), Aimee Ose (1990) and Valarie Pane (2002) played well in the losing effort.

Players seen around town the next day with various limps and bruises included Brian Cox (2000), John Mello (2002), Brian Ignacio (2004), Chris Brown (1996), Quinn Tomlin (2002), Sean Lemoine (1988), Nick Whittaker (1997), Stuart Googins (1987), Demar Williams (1994), Joel McKay (1992), Dion Hock (1978), Craig Caponigro (1988), Lisa Wilson (1998), Tina Peterson (1998), Jenn Sweeney (1986), Maggy Kelly (1990), Kate Whitaker (2003), Danielle Sweeney (2006), Patricia Bingham (1992) Christina Peterson (1998) and Alicia Diaz (1988).

All money raised at the annual games is donated to the men's and women's soccer programs at the two Pleasanton high schools. This year's $6,000 brings the total since 2003 to nearly $60,000.

Ryan Gordon was a 2003 graduate of Foothill killed in a jet ski accident shortly after graduation. He had planned to attend Santa Barbara City College and play soccer there.