|
|
|
|
|  |
 |
|
Does CSL Premier prepare you to compete at a world class level? South Coast Bayern Head Coach, Vishtasp Farhadi, believes it does. And to prove it, he worked diligently to secure the ONLY invitation for a United States based soccer club to the 25th anniversary 2007 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.
 |
The Milk Cup is internationally recognized as one of most prestigious youth tournaments in the world. This summer it drew 54 club, professional academy and National teams from 14 different countries on 4 continents. Coach V hand selected 18 premier level players from South Coast Bayern and local clubs on a quest to the United Kingdom for the Milk Cup Trophy. |
|
The adventure began in London with 3 days to acclimate to the time change, weather and environment. The team played a preparation, friendly match versus Barnet FC a division II Premier League youth academy club. South Coast Bayern produced a commanding 4 - 0 victory that provided a boost of confidence as they entered the competition. Next stop was Coleraine, N. Ireland home of the Milk Cup for the welcoming team parade and opening ceremonies. There were thousands of football fans from all over to attend this famous Northern Ireland tradition.
The fans, news crew reporters and teams were all anticipating the 2007 Milk Cup opening match featuring South Coast Bayern versus Manchester United Red Devils. Approximately 1,000 fans came out to see the local favorite play this unknown team from the U.S.A. |
 |
 |
VS. |
 |
The first half was exciting with end to end action and Manchester United manufactured 2 goals for a comfortable lead at the end of the first half. South Coast Bayern began the second half with a spark in their step and created a turning point in the match with a saved penalty kick. South Coast Bayern pressed harder and capitalized on two of their own opportunities to tie the game. Manchester United could not penetrate the stellar second half defense and the match ended in a 2-2 tie. Danny Chavez, captain, earned the man of the match and the team gained the respect of Manchester United and the fans. The post game celebration included South Coast Bayern signing autographs and interviews with the media.
After the first-rate come back against Manchester United and the next day's superior 5-1 triumph over Dublin's Shamrock Rovers, South Coast Bayern was the first USA based club team to advance into the top tier round in the 25 year history of the Milk Cup. These spots are typically occupied by the most prominent professional football clubs in the world. South Coast Bayern was instantly propelled into celebrity status and the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) advised they would be doing a documentary on the squad. The team was followed by camera crews on and off the pitch throughout the remainder of the tournament.
 |
South Coast Bayern advanced to quarterfinal drawing Benfica F.C. (a prominent Portuguese professional club). The game was played at Ballymena, the largest and most pristine venue yet. The team was led through the back into their first class changing room facility, entered the pitch through a tunnel into a stadium that seated thousands and the starting 11 players from each side were introduced. South Coast Bayern out played Benfica during first half however, it was Benfica that found the goal on a free kick. South Coast Bayern, a known 2nd half team, came out with vigor and intensity that surprised the Portuguese and dominated the game. Shots hit the crossbar, crosses missed by only inches, fouls in the penalty area did not get called . this combination of variables increased frustration levels. Nearing the end of regulation, the referee tried to seal their fate and issued our player a second yellow card. Despite the protest, he was sent off and they played the remainder of the game with one man down. Benfica was trying to run out the clock, South Coast Bayern kept up the pressure and never gave up. Into injury stoppage time and less than 30 ticks left on the clock, South Coast Bayern finally found the back of the net to tie the game. The team and crowd, who were now rooting for South Coast Bayern, were in complete jubilation. The game was sent directly into Penalty Kicks. On the 14th penalty kick, the Benfica goalie flew across the goal mouth coming up with an amazing save to close out the dream of returning to the States with the Milk Cup Trophy. These young men did their absolute best and never gave up until the bitter end. Everyone was very proud of them and admired what they had been able to prove and accomplish.
|
| |
VS. |
 |
Photos of the match
|
| |
VS. |
 |
After being undefeated in regulation time facing the best club in the world from England, best club in the world from Ireland, best club in the world from Portugal , South Coast Bayern was set to face off against one of the most winning fusball clubs in the history of soccer, fútbol, football, fusball .. what ever language you choose. The BBC dubbed it the dream match up of South Coast Bayern vs.F.C. Bayern Munich in the 5-8th playoff round. South Coast Bayern clearly dominated the first half and had Bayern Munich on their heals. South Coast Bayern produced many scoring opportunities and could have closed the door early but had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half. Being a professional, well trained youth club, Bayern Munich maintained their composure and never panicked. They began to take possession, place balls into space with anticipating runs and created a couple of opportunities of their own. Long story short, they got one and then other with very little time remaining. The game ended 2 -1 in favor of Bayern Munich. The minor injuries, red card suspension and missed opportunities did not help their cause. The players did not have anything to be ashamed about and held their heads high.
The final match of the tournament did not have much at stake except for pride and ending on a positive note. The mood was relaxed and South Coast Bayern performed very well against N. Ireland finishing with a decisive 3 - 1 victory. Andy Martinez led the team's scoring with 5 goals and was inched out in the championship game for the golden boot (most goals scored) of the tournament. South Coast Bayern's overall record in regulation was 3 wins, 1 loss, 2 ties with 16 goals scored and only 7 goals against.
It is important to acknowledge Marissa Pena (South Coast Bayern President) for her continuous support and generosity. Without her, this experience would not have been possible. The team was honored for making tournament history by being the first club from the United States to advance into Milk Cup trophy round and also to secure a repeat invitation for 2008. After their results, there should be no question in your mind what the competition level is in the CSL Premier League ...
It is world class.
|
|
|
|
|
