California State Games

The 1998 Walnut Aftershocks of yesteryear had succumbed to a 1-0 loss to settle for second place in the prestigious California State Games. The Walnut Midnight Express of 1999 with a main core of players from 1998 remembers clearly the feeling and bowed to have a more decisive plays and determination to win back the crown of this mini-olympic events. The day at the Coronado, where the soccer events are being held, was a perfect day to start a grueling tournament. The servicemen of the Naval Amphibious Base cheered for the various Walnut contigents and participants. The locals led by the bemedaled Walnut Midnight Express Girls Soccer team came in to this State Games eyeing for their 10th gold of the year. Better equipped than last year, the Walnut contingents allowed 1 goal during the coarse of 5 matches and scored 19 goals total to capture first place. Notable plays came from Katie Rorabaugh who managed to shift the ball effectively from left to right foot ending in a much needed goal. The assist by Jennifer Tan (finishing the tournament with a total of 4 goals) sending the ball from far right to the mouth of the goal and finished by Renay Gonzales through a touch kick observably set the tone of the locals' unselfish plays. The unpenetrable defenses of Christie Herring (in sweeper position), Elisa Esparza (fullback) and Christine Wong (fullback) and goalie Christina Cossio serving as the insurance policy leading to Walnuts success. The ever presence of the team highest scorer Janessa Currier, Vivi Viramontes, Valerie Tibbetts, Tiffany Chadha at forward position accounts for the teams overall year total goals of 243 against 24 by the opponents. The shifty legs of the midfielders Andrea Fagan, Lauren Marquez and Irene Fan are instrumental in effectively bringing up the ball in all their offensive plays. Led by 2 coaches (John Currier & Lou Rorabaugh), nortured by their parents, supported by the businesses of the community and commended by Congressman Dreier and The City Government of Walnut- The 1999 Walnut Midnight Express has represented the name of the city through sportmanship and goodwill.

Tenth gold of the year

Christine

Elisa

Christie

Val, J, Katie, Christie