Headed to Havana 2012!

Last summer the U-14 Boys Key West Striker Soccer team traveled to Havana to play in the first ever "Key West - Havana Copa Amistad Soccer Tournament". It was an amazing experience for the 13 players and 12 chaperones who were lucky enough to take part!
We're very excited that this year we have been granted permission by the United States Treasury Department to send three teams to the tournament this year.
On Saturday, July 7, 2012 a U-14 boys team, a U-14 girls team and a U-12 boys team will represent the Key West Strikers in the "Second Annual Key West - Havana Copa Amistad Soccer Tournament".
We're excited and proud to represent Key West and the United States!
We plan to share our experiences both on and off the soccer pitch through updates to this blog throughout the 10 days.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Opening Games July 9, 2012

Opening day of the tournament! Our team busses were greeted at the field this morning by dozens of kids from Team Cerro giving each American player a "Certificate of Participation with Love, Peace and Soccer". Opening ceremonies began with a welcome speech by Key West Strikers coach Tom Coward followed by the teams lining up behind their country's flag. Then, the Cuban National Anthem was played followed by the "Star Spangled Banner".




   
The U-12 boys Striker Team coached by Alex Cabrera kicked off the tournament against Team Bollero. In addition to Anthony Cabrera, Cruze Sweeney, Alexis Ayala, Danny Galvan, Mark Robino, Kyle Smith and keeper Michael MacLaughlin, Key West had five Cuban guest players playing for them. The teams played to a 6-1 Bollero win. Mark Robino scored the lone Striker goal off a penalty kick.










Brian Coward scored the first U-14 boys goal of the tournament. Tom Coward's team played Centre Habana and came away with a 3-1 victory! Connor Chaney and Spencer Hamilton also scored. Coach Tom was very pleased overall with the team's play particularly with the defense and with Danny Kearney's efforts up top.






In the evening a large group of us went to see a qualifying soccer match for the U-17 boys Cuban National Team. The Cuban team defeated Puerto Rico 2-0.


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