
Soccer players pose for a photo in Dallas (Photo: Black Rock FC).
Over Spring Break, the Black Rock FC traveled to Dallas, Texas to compete in the annual Dr. Pepper Cup, which is one of the most premier youth soccer competitions held in the United States. The U17s placed second in their group, and the U19’s were edged out by Dynamo Academy in the semi-finals.
U19 Weekend Results: 3-1-1
Game 1: vs Liverpool Football College
Score: Tied 2-2Game 2: vs RSL-AZ North
Score: Won 2-0Game 3: vs American Academy of Soccer
Score: Won 4-0Game 4 (Quarterfinal): vs Barca Academy
Score: Won 4-1Game 5 (Semi-final): vs Houston Dynamo
Score: Lost in Penalty Kicks
Goalkeeper Bernardo Simoes ‘19 reflected, “It was an amazing experience to play against the best teams in the country at the biggest tournament in the U.S. Compared to last year, it was an improvement in terms of results since Black Rock last year only got one point. We made it to the semi-finals this year. It was unfortunate that we didn’t make it to the finals, but we are going to use the experience to do better next year”.
U17 Weekend Results: 2-1
Game 1: vs Club Menedy
Score: Won 6-1Game 2: vs Albion SC
Score: Won 2-0Game 3: vs FC Dallas Youth Premier
Score: Lost 2-0
Francisco Castillo ‘19 said, “In the beginning, it was very cold. It was getting colder and colder, until you went out and then your body felt better.”
After competing in Dallas, both teams celebrated the successful week with a farewell dinner.