Today both teams played their second set of games in the round robin part of the competition. Both teams have three games each to play in this section of the tournament. Coming first in your group is the only way you have of reaching the next stage, which is the knock out phase. Therefore, we hoped for better results today after our losses yesterday. The weather warmed up a bit.  Playing conditions were bearable, compared to yesterday, but still not ideal. The three games for each of the teams are scheduled for Moneygram Park, which has ten wonderfully grassed fields.

The U-15 team again were first up today, their game was played at 10.30am versus CarlsabadFC from San Diego, California. For the first half SKHY kicked with the breeze. The boys began confidently moving the ball well and from the start were more of an attacking force than the previous day. Results were in their favour at the end of the half with goals from Jakeem McNeil and Michel Poon Angeron.  The momentum we had from the first half quickly shifted from the start of the second. Kicking against the wind was a struggle for the guys. They have not come to terms with this challenge and the understanding of the type of game that has to be played under such conditions. Carlsabad from the onset were more aggressive and direct. This brought them dividends as they overturned our lead with three goals of their own in the first twenty minutes of the half. During the final twenty minutes no more goals were scored by either team. Final score SKHY FC 2 Carlsabad FC 3. We had this one in our grasp, but let it slip away.

The U-14 team’s opponent was TFC from New Jersey. This game was played at 2.00pm. Again the same can be said for them, as overall they played a more composed game and moved the ball much better than their first match. This did not change the outcome of the game however, as they went down with a similar score as yesterday 0-4. We had our chances, but unfortunately scored none, while TFC hit the back of the net with their opportunities. Mention must be made about Jumaane McNeil, the goalkeeper of this team, who was outstanding.

With two losses for both teams, we cannot reach the knockout phase, but there is still some light at the end of the tunnel. A couple of university coaches actually inquired about players from both teams, who they thought had potential. As the boys are always told, “You never know who is looking at you; therefore always try to be at you best.” Two or three years from now when we return to Dallas, we are sure these boys are going to be inquired about again.