By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
April 19, 2018-The Boys-Under-14 Hauppauge Hurricanes of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) played in the prestigious IberCup USA in Dallas over Spring Break at the end of March. IberCup USA had extended an invitation to the top LIJSL Boys-Under-14 team and through this partnership, the LIJSL IberCup Champion received an automatic invitation, and paid acceptance into this top tourney, with the team’s hotel, meals and ground transportation costs paid for by IberCup USA. The value of the package was estimated to be more than $10,000.
IberCup USA representative Jim Vogt said, “We selected the LIJSL because of the overall competitiveness of the league, especially at the Pre-Academy level.”
Clockwise from the top left: Hauppauge goalkeeper #25 Macai John shaking hands with teammate Jared Weinhaus; Hauppauge #24 Vincenzo Sanacore approaching a Colorado Arsenal player; Hauppauge’s team cheer; Hauppauge and the Dallas Texans shaking hands after their game
The four snowy Nor’easters during March created an issue for Hauppauge as they were not able to train outdoors and only played one game before flying to Dallas and playing two Tex-Mex opponents who were in the middle of their seasons. In their three group games, they lost to the Dallas Texans 1-0, defeated Mexican team Rayadis Innova 1-0, and were topped by Colorado Arsenal 3-2. Luke Augeri scored Hauppauge’s three goals during the IberCup.
“After six months of fundraising and long hours practicing indoors, the boys, coaches and parents had a memorable and rewarding experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives,” commented team parent Krisztina Abbate. “The location was fantastic, with opportunities to see an in-depth tour of AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play, and also a true rodeo, with clowns, calves, and cowboys!”
Under the direction of coach Gennaro Iamunno, the Hurricanes have experienced a very memorable past 12 months as they have won the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) State Open Cup, the LIJSL Division Championship, the Long Island Cup and also became LIJSL IberCup champion to qualify for playing in Dallas.
“Every up-and-coming soccer team should strive to have the honor to attend this memorable and prestigious event,” Abbate concluded.
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.