The competition bar just got raised for the Super Group (U19) Division. The following are 5 of the 12 teams to compete, April 1-8, 2007 at Pizza Hut Park Stadium & Complex.
1.
Alta Loma Arsenal of Alta Loma, California,
USA- As three-time USYSA National Champions (the only team to achieve back-to-back national championships), these boys have been together under the direction of head coach Steve Lucey since they were playing in the U15 division. They currently play in the Coast Soccer League with a record of 9-2-2, holding onto second place, out 12 teams.
2.
CD Guadalajara (Chivas) of Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco- Currently they play in the Torneo Nacional de Reservas and are in first place with a 9-5-3 record. Coached by Marco Antonio Fabian Vazquez, Chivas was a quarterfinalist in the Copa Chivas 2006 Super Grupo and a finalist in the 2006 Continential Cup in Cleveland Ohio. Chivas are one of the most popular teams in Mexico with a large fan base not only in Mexico, but the world.
3.
Chelsea FC of Stamford Bridge in England- This will be the first Dallas Cup Super Group (U19) appearance for Chelsea FC, coming in as one of the top youth teams in the Premiere League. Chelsea will be bringing their top youth players, some of which, have been recently playing on their Reserve Squad. A club known for “the one and two-touch, pass and move soccer” will be coached by Ruud Kaiser, who joined the club in summer of 2006, and directed Chelsea to 9 straight wins in his first season. Kaiser is a former coach of the Dutch FA, where he coached the Dutch U16 and U17 National Teams.
4.
Real Madrid CF of Madrid, Spain- Having won Dallas Cup XIV & XV, back to back, Real Madrid will appear in Dallas Cup again this year with a mind set equal to their performances in past years.
5.
Sao Paulo FC of Sao Paulo, Brazil- Returning to Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXVIII after an 11 year absence, 2006 has been a very successful year for Sao Paulo FC U19 team. They recently reached the semi-final in the Sao Paulo State Cup and will participate in the most important youth tournament in Brazil, “Junior Sao Paulo Cup” in January 2007. SPFC will bring the traditional Brazilian soccer along with great competition.