Bethesda Internationals

7 Mar. '09.  On the opening day of league play at Bishop McNamara HS, the Internationals uncharacteristically did not display their usual good game form after a 2-1/2 month layoff since Disney.   SAC United came out strong from the starting gate and were determined, focused and played to win.  In the 1st half, SAC’s tenacious defense held Inter to just 1 shot on goal and 2 corner kicks which were unsuccessful while committing 8 fouls (including 1 offsides).  At the 19 min. mark, after a free kick by Patrick into the box, SAC cleared the ball away down field behind Matt and Jamie at mid-center as Nicholas and Mike had pushed up during the free kick.  A streaking SAC player ran onto the ball and 1v1 on Seth for a easy shot into the net to put SAC up 1-0.  At about the 36 min. mark, SAC launched a corner kick from Inter’s left corner which was perfectly positioned in the goal mouth as an unmarked SAC player leaped up to head strike in the 2nd goal. All total, SAC took 3 shots on goal and setup 1 corner kick while committing 11 fouls (incluing 1 hand ball and 1 high kick), and the half ended, 2-0, SAC United.

In the 2nd half, the wind picked up and SAC kicked off with the wind.  Inter gained some momentum and controlled play for most of the half but were unableto finish a goal largely due to some solid GKeeping by Joe Sullivan . Inter held SAC to 3 shots on goal, including a hardblast from about 22 yds. center which Seth made a great finger-tip save.  SAC committed 8 fouls and no goals finished.  Inter had its chances but could not find the back of the net in several up close threats, including a shot by Chris which Joe caught, another shot by Chris was blocked by Joe and he also stopped a sure goal by Nate in the box.  Along with Inter’s 3 shots on goal which were foiled, 2 corner kicks were also unsuccessful while committing 4 fouls (including 1 highkick), and the match ended, 2-0, SAC United Premier.  Kudos to SAC United Premier.

28 Feb. '09.  The Internationals have been grouped with 3 very strong midwest teams it has never before played:

 Javanon 92 (KY):   Fri., 24 Apr., 2:30pm

Scott Gallagher - Team #1 (MO):  Sat., 25 Apr., 10:20am

Eclipse Select (ILL):  Sun., 26 Apr., 8:00am

Javanon is the KY State Cup Champ 2008, Region II 2008 Champs and National Semi-Finalist as well as a Finalist in the Showcase Divsion of the Disney Showcase 2008, losing to Chelsea Football Academy (GBR).  Scott Gallagher is the MO State Cup Champ 2008.   It has been a perennial top team and won the recent highly acclaimed Germantown Invitiational Tournament 2008.  And, Eclipse Select is the IL State Cup Champ 2008 and Region II 2008 Finalist, losing to Javanon, 2-3. 

 The Internationals are looking forward to a great competitive event against these top teams in arguably the best U17 tournament in the country.  Many college coaches will be scouting this event.  

17 Feb. '09.  Brackets/schedule have been set with the Internationals placed in Group B of the Champsionship division as follows:

 Group A:  Freestate Elite (MD)

                  Massapequa Aces (NY-E)

                  Triangle United Gold (NC)

                  YMS Xplosion (PA-E)

Group B:  CUP Red (OH-S)

                  GFA 91 Elite (VA)

                  Pachuca Internationals (MD)

                  TSF Academy Celtic (NJ)

The Internationals are looking forward to another great experience against some top, highly competitive  teams in the region in this presitigious tournament which the Internationals have participated in since 2003.

12 Feb. '09.  The Internationals have bee invited to participate in the relatively new Challenge for the Tiffany cup in its 4th year of existence to be held during the week of 4-12 Apr.

In the inaugural event in 2006, Sociedad Deportiva AEM Spain topped DC United Academy (non-USSF Developmental), 1-0. 

In 2007, it was an all-USA affair due to various conflicts and team unavailabilities including DC United Academy's acceptance in the USSF Development Academy system/scheduling and an England-affiliated team withdrew as many of its players participated in Olympics tryouts.  Takoma Park AC United defeated Arlington General, 4-1. 

The 2008 event was canceled for the tournament committee of the International Amateur Sports Inc. (IASI) to devote more time towards preparing the 2009 event in which the Internationals have been invited.

For the 2009 event, several top U16/U17 teams from abroad will be participating in venues around Washington, DC, including Real Madrid (Spain), Blackburn Rovers (England), and El Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica) as well as highly ranked travel elite teams from the local area such as DC United Development Academy (DC), Pachuca Internationals (MD), Great Falls 91 Elite (VA), Freestate Elite (MD) and another team TBD.