Dallas Cup: Champions earn title triumphs in U-13 through U-16 groups
DALLAS, Texas – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, the most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, awarded the iconic Boot and Ball trophy to the Champions of the Under-13, U-14, U-15, and U-16 age groups on Saturday.
Chivas USA met TSC Hurricanes from Oklahoma for the right to wear the U13 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup crown. Throughout most of the first half, Chivas USA had the better run of the play, but was held scoreless with the help of a sturdy crossbar and fantastic goalkeeping from TSC Hurricane Christian Chavez.
It took a 31st minute-wonder strike from Chivas USA’s Misael Becerra to get the game’s only goal. TSC Hurricanes managed to withstand the Chivas onslaughts throughout the rest of the game but was unable to find the back of the net themselves.
The U14 Championship was a tight match that was decided in overtime. Duncanville’s Wizards FC took on the tough Club Menedy from Guatemala. Menedy’s Alberto Esmenjaud opened the scoring in the 25th minute as his hard shot slipped underneath the keeper’s arms, but the Wizards were able to equalize just six minutes later.
Although Menedy controlled the run of play throughout the game, they found themselves tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. In overtime, a defensive lapse led to a breakaway goal, and in the last minute of overtime Menedy was able to score again to seal the victory, 3-1.
Tigres UANL of Mexico took on LVSA ’99 Red from Nevada in the U15 Final. Tigres started strongly and made LVSA goalkeeper Phillip Starcher, come up with several acrobatic saves to keep the game scoreless. Tigres went ahead in the 13th minute when a cross deflected off a LVSA defender and towards his goal.
While Starcher initially appeared to make another outstanding save, the ball was judged to have fully crossed the line by the Assistant Referee. Tigres kept up the pressure throughout the entire first half and scored twice more for a 3-0 halftime lead on their way to a 5-0 shutout victory.
The final match of the day was local side FC Dallas Premier taking on Juventus SC Heat from Northern California for the U16 Championship. FC Dallas found themselves up 2-0 at halftime, despite being outshot 10 to 5. It seemed that FC Dallas would be able to absorb Juventus’ pressure and hold on for the victory, but that changed in the 62 minute when David Ramos found himself on a breakaway and was able to get a goal back.
The goal lifted Juventus’ sprits and three minutes later Ramos struck again to send the game to overtime. The game was evenly played throughout overtime with both teams having several good chances. But with five minutes left, Steven Orozco drilled home a screamer that the left the FC Dallas keeper with no chance to keep it out. The final result was a come-from-behind 3-2 victory.
Championship weekend continues on Sunday with the U-17, Super 17s, U19, and Gordon Jago Super Group Finals. Find more info at www.dallascup.com.
