Colton Dukes it out in Mayor's Cup Soccer Challenge

Answering a call to compete in one mayor's Soccer Cup challenge, the City of Colton was one of five Inland Empire-based communities duking it out on the soccer field in the first annual Inland Empire Mayor's Cup Challenge on May 2. Represented by a team of about 22 from Colton's Ashley Furniture Homestore, and supported by several community dignitaries, other Ashley Furniture employees and community members, Colton traveled to Ramon High School in Riverside to take on the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Riverside and Victorville for the inaugural championship title, after Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey issued the challenge. Developed to cultivate support and camaraderie in the Inland Empire through a positive yet competitive Mayor's Cup Soccer Challenge, participating cities developed their non-pro, coed teams by recruiting residents 18 years and older to compete in the tournament. Holding practice sessions in preparation for the event and led by coaches Carlos Rodriguez and Hector Toscano, the Colton team was excited to hit the field, explained Coach Rodriguez. The first games began at 9 a.m. that morning and continued through a double elimination format. Though the Ashley Furniture team did not win the championship, Rodriguez said they were proud to represent Colton, especially after having been asked personally by Colton City Mayor Richard De La Rosa to do so. "In our practice sessions, the main topic was that we really wanted to represent the city," said Rodriguez. "We didn't win but we played very hard, and very well. We were definitely proud to be there and excited to do it." Adding to the community-based atmosphere, food vendors on site offered tasty goods during the free event, and the LA Galaxy street team gave away tickets and raffle prizes. Performances were also led by the Innovation Soccer Freestylers during the lunch hour.