Over the November 15th thru 17th weekend, our B12 LAFC team traveled to Monterrey, Mexico to compete in a top Mexican tournament, the Copa Rayados. We did this knowing that our boys would have to compete against older and bigger boys from top teams from across Mexico of the 1996 birth year (our team had a number of 97’s and 96’s born after August, 96 — a big hurdle at this young age). From a club standpoint, we wanted to validate that American youth soccer, and LAFC yoiuth soccer in particular, is as good as it gets in the world. Well, we did that.
Our B12’s rocked the tournament and stunned the Mexicans with the play of our boys. In pool play, we went 4 - 0, scoring 22 goals with 2 against (both off free kicks) and were seeded #1 going into the playoffs. We won the quarter-final 6 - 0 and the semi-final 2 - 1. In the championship game Monday, we played Monterrey 96 (semi-finalists in the Mexico wide 96 tournament), ended the game in a 0 - 0 draw, but lost in PK’s. Just an amazing performance.
We also experienced something else very interesting this weekend in Mexico. Yes, we really got the attention of the Mexicans with the performance of our B12’s. But more interestingly, we amassed quite a few fans to the extent that for the finals played in the stadium field, LAFC had more fans in the stands than the local favorite, Monterrey 96. And what the fans were chanting and yelling was “Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea” even though we were listed and referred to by the tournament officials as the Los Angeles Futbol Club. But we wore Chelsea uniforms. And that’s how we were identified by the fans. Very, very, interesting.
Congratulations to super coach Barry Ritson and his amazing players.
11 Comments ↓
Congrats u guys! That’s cool that u guys played in Mexico and represented LAFC.
Jackie #16, Jarda’s team
And a BIG congratulations to Coach Josh for stepping in for Coach Barry and coaching the boys to this huge win!
BU12 you Rock! Congrats to Coach Barry, Coach Josh and the LAFC Team!
Congratulations B12 Guys!
Jorgito, I am proud of you. Keep it up. One day you will be as good as
your tio Luis.
Love,
Tio Cesar
Yeah for my team, we tried our best. Almost won it!!!
Very proud of you guys. Congratulations!!! Keep it up.
Just wanted to say CONGRATS on representing LAFC like true champs.
Keep this up boys.
Gio Castaneda,
#1, U18 Academy Keeper
Thanks we really appreciate the comments and it was so much fun. But dont worry cuz next time we leave as champions!
Thank you guys for letting me be part of the team. I really enjoyed this wonderful and amazing opportunity. Thanks to all. And congratularions to Josh and of course to my couch Berry.
Rodrigo Acevedo #17, BU13
All I can say to you guys is AWESOME! All of you play great. You rock my sox off! That is really cool that you got to go to Mexico. Congrats to Josh and Barry. Good luck for the following games and tournaments. Don’t worry next time you’ll leave as champions!
GREAT JOB!!!
Stephanie Guzman #10, Jarda GU12
Congrats from http://www.socalsoccer.com !! I have seen this team play a few times, and they play amazing soccer.
Dominic
Admin SoCalSoccer.com
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