ORLANDO – April 8, 2015 – Orlando City SC’s youth tournament success continued on the world stage this past weekend, as the boy’s Pro Academy U-12 team claimed first place over Atletico Madrid at the world-renowned IberCup USA in Bradenton and Sarasota.
With over 350 teams from 50 nations, the IberCup is the largest and most international youth tournament in the world, boasting top teams such as Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Benfica and Ajax.
The U-12s defeated Atletico Madrid’s U-12 Pro Academy side 1-0 after previously losing 2-0 to the Spanish club in their opening game of the tournament. The Lions advanced through a difficult playoff bracket, defeating teams from southern California and Texas, to make it to the championship match where they produced an inspiring performance against Madrid.
The OCYS U-10 boy’s team also advanced to the final, losing 2-1 to the Dallas Texans after competing against Manchester City’s top U-10 team in the group stages.
“To have the opportunity to have this level of competition only two hours away was fantastic for our kids,” said Orlando City Pro Academy head coach Craig Melton. “For us to play against different styles of play, combinations and tactics, was really good development for our players to get only two hours away from our hometown, rather than having to travel internationally.”
