The Ceres Earthquakes 14-and-under girls travel soccer team made history while competing at the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase this past month.

“We’re the first Earthquakes’ team from Ceres Youth Soccer Organization to win this tournament,” head coach Javier Alvarez said. “It’s a big accomplishment.”

Ceres collected three wins and one loss while finishing in first place at the Feb. 21-23 event.

The Earthquakes advanced to the finals via tiebreaker. Ceres allowed just one goal and scored three goals through its first three games.

“It was a big tournament,” Alvarez said. “There were teams from Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. The girls were playing for our country. They conquered. It was a blessing to see.”

Janelle Mendoza, starting goalkeeper for the Earthquakes, allowed just one goal in four regulation games.

“The mentality you have to have being a goalkeeper is unexplainable,” Alvarez said. “She’s the not the tallest girl. But her heart and will give her the height and length.”

Ceres edged Coastal FC Royal (Canada) 5-4 in a penalty-kick shootout for the championship on Feb.  23 at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex.

“Emotions were high,” Alvarez said. “It was a wild, rollercoaster.”

Lizette Tafolla, Mila Zaragoza, Alexandria Jimenez, Payson Toste and Canyon Dermond-Cuthbert converted penalty kicks in the title game.

Dermond-Cuthbert sealed the victory.

“It was a perfect shot,” Alvarez said.

Mendoza stopped three PKs.

“She was on fire,” Alvarez said. “She stepped up. Never once did she seem defeated. She was the shield for the Ceres Earthquakes.”

The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie in regulation.