While an amazing postseason run by the Naugatuck Youth Soccer 15U Boys may have come to an end this week, nothing can detract from the incredible pride they created within the Connecticut soccer community amid their success on the regional and national stage. Naugatuck first won five consecutive matches to complete a perfect tournament at Southern Presidents Cup, which they followed up with a three-game unbeaten streak to win their group at National Presidents Cup. The Connecticut side most recently played in the semifinals of National Presidents Cup on Monday, coming up just short against Carol Stream Panthers Academy 2008 (IL).
“Hard work pays off. That’s what I think when I see what we achieved,” said Jaime Pereira, head coach of the Naugatuck Youth Soccer 15U Boys. “In the three years of working with these kids, we worked hard, and I always told them they were better than what they thought. Here is the proof. Champions of the Eastern Presidents Cup and all the way to the semifinals of the National Presidents Cup. Not bad for a town team from NAUGATUCK. Thank you for all the support. This experience was absolutely amazing!”
Proud representatives of the Naugatuck Valley community, Naugatuck Youth Soccer is a Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Club (CJSA) member club that operates in-house recreation, developmental and competition soccer programs.
“The entire Connecticut soccer family followed Naugatuck’s journey from afar,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Everyone is so proud of what they accomplished and how they represented their community, themselves and CJSA.”
Naugatuck opened National Presidents Cup competition last Friday, battling 08 HFC White (NC) to a scoreless draw. The following day, they defeated the Quad City Strikers Warriors U15 Boys (IA) by a tally of 2-1 before finishing off group play with a 3-3 result against MetaSport FC 08B BT (UT) on Sunday. Naugatuck was the only team in their group to go unbeaten, and their five overall points earned them a top seed in the semifinals.
Naugatuck arrived at the National Presidents Cup after a perfect run in the Eastern Presidents Cup last month. Naugatuck won all five of their matches at the Eastern Presidents Cup, which was hosted by US Youth Soccer in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, outscoring their opposition by a tally of 13-2. They capped off an incredible tournament performance with a 4-0 victory over the Southern Chester County SA Dragons of Pennsylvania East in the 15U Regional Final.
The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup provides a progressive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.
