Front row: Ryan Corren, Dennis Rojas, Gary Woody, A.J. Uriarte; Middle row: Matt Errecart,
Randy Grimm, Jerrus Roxas, Dan Flores, Sean Luigs, Conner Day, Eric Denton, Paul Luong;
Back row: Connor Sloan, Troy Pulas, Cory Duncan, Nick McGrath, Gris Grippi; Not pictured:
Raul Almeida; Back row: Coaches Mark Kusanovich and Greg Pulas
In 1991, the Stockton Cougars U-13 boys’ soccer team was the first Stockton competitive soccer team to win the CYSA State Cup since the formation of Stockton competitive soccer in 1981. The U-13 Cougar players were an outstanding group of individuals who came together as a team and achieved great success in the sport they loved. The team was coached by Mark Kusanovich (deceased) and Greg Pulas; assistant coach Harold Grimm (deceased); and trainer Ernie Roxas (deceased).
The Cougars’ record for the 1990-91 season was 70-7-8, with 45 games being shutouts. The team was ranked #1 in the state by the California Youth Soccer Association in December 1990. They won eight tournaments and finished second three times. They kicked off the sea- son in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, the USA Cup, in Minnesota. After winning their six preliminary rounds by shutouts, the Cougars lost to Sweden 1-0 in the semifinal game. They were awarded the bronze medal out of 64 teams after winning the consolation match 3-0 against St. Croix, Wisconsin. The finals of the State Cup Championship were held on February 23, 1991, at Davis High School in Davis, CA. The Cougars faced the defending 1990 State Cup winner, Chivas-USA from Santa Cruz and Watsonville. The Cougars allowed only three shots on goal in the game. The Cougars won the State Cup Championship 3-1. They were such a great balance of 18 players. Their character, quiet confidence, deter- mination, and skill brought them together for a remarkable season. All 18 of them grew up to be successful adults. It’s wonderful to see so many of them come back together to accept this induction.
