Oakville put up a brave performance in Blaine, Minnesota today but the U12 boys fell short with a 0-3 loss in the final round of this well-known international soccer tournament.
The annual Schwan’s USA CUP took place this weekend July 23 and July 24, 2011 at the National Sports Centre north of Minneapolis. This youth soccer tournament is the largest of it’s kind. Minnesota teams won 11 of the 14 divisions. Other nations competing in the tournament included Canada and Denmark.
All together over the week, 15,000 athletes on 942 teams from 20 states and 17 countries competed which makes this the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere. Since Oakville has one of the largest soccer clubs in North America, it was fitting that Oakville teams were there to represent Canada.
Age ranges included 12 year old boys and girls up to 19 year olds.
The final round featured the 12 year old boys team Minnesota Thunder Academy from Woodbury, Minnesota against the Oakville Soccer Club of Oakville, Ontario.
The entire game remained scoreless resulting in two five minute extra time periods. The Minnesota Thunder Academy came alive in the second five-minute extra time period miraculously sinking three goals in less than four minutes to capture the win of the U12 Boys championship in the last momements of the game.
Congratulations to everyone that participated in this year’s tournament.
