Waltham, 9th August 2009; In conjunction with XL Travel, three MPS teams enjoyed success on their travels to the UK and Ireland as they grabbed a hat-trick of trophies. The U14 Renegades, U14 Renegades Black and U14 Bulldogs all returned home with silverware to declare at Logan Airport after winning tournaments in London, England and Galway, Ireland.
On the girl’s trip, the U14 Renegades and the U14 Renegades Black were crowned champions of the Premier A and Premier B brackets respectively at the Arsenal Cup in London. On the boys side, the U14 Bulldogs captured the Plate trophy at the Galway Cup in the Republic of Ireland.
“It is fantastic for all three teams to have the opportunity to play in such prestigious tournaments as the Arsenal Cup and the Galway Cup,” said MPS Director of Coaching Peter Bradley. “To return home with three success stories is fantastic for the club and an experience that the players will never forget.”
After emerging top of their group, James Hamblin’s U14 Renegades earned a berth in the championship game against the host Arsenal Ladies side. An exceptional performance saw the Renegades run out convincing 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Ebru Hazar, Nicole Wilkins and Amanda Shea.
“The England trip and the Arsenal Cup was a fantastic experience for our team,” said Head Coach Hamblin. “To defeat Arsenal, who are widely considered as the top girls club in the UK, was a fantastic achievement and something our players should be extremely proud.”
The U14 Renegades Black story was equally as exciting. After storming through their group with a 3-0 record due to victories over London Girls (4-2), West Ham United (1-0) and an outstanding 6-1 win over Brighton and Hove, the Renegades faced London Girls again in the final.
With the score tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation time, the game went on to a penalty shootout. The Renegades Black held their nerve held and came out as 4-3 winners.
“We knew it would be difficult in the final as our first game against London was very tight,” said Head Coach Howard. “Our girls showed great composure in the shootout and they thoroughly deserved their victory.”
Across the Irish Sea, the MPS U14 boys became the first North American team to leave Galway with a championship after a 3-1 victory over host club Salthill Devon 3-1 to lift the Galway Plate. MPS made it to the final after a 2-1-1 record in group play. Goals from Mark Blahnik, Alex Wallace and Collin McCabesecured a 3-1 victory in Saturday’s final.
"I am absolutely delighted for the boys after a tremendous performance which saw us score three excellent goals," said Head Coach Andrew Moir. "We played some excellent soccer throughout the tournament and the boys were worthy winners in a highly competitive final."
In addition to the competitive aspect of the trip, the MPS players enjoyed a week of sightseeing activities in a trip organized by XL travel. The highlight of the tour being the opportunity to witness the Emirates Cup played at the Emirates Stadium home of Arsenal FC.
“Year after year we send our teams to the UK and Ireland with XL Travel and the trip is hugely enjoyable for players and parents alike,” said Bradley. “Everything from the organization, the competitive play and the added spectacle of viewing the best players in the world is fantastic and we are delighted to offer our teams this outstanding opportunity.”
For more photos from the trip please see below.
For more information on XL travel tours please visit www.xltravel.com
MPS Players Enjoy Arsenal vs Rangers at the Emirates Cup
MPS Bulldogs players soak up the atmosphere with the Rangers fans prior to Emirates Cup
MPS Players Enjoy tour of Wembley Stadium
MPS Players visit Buckingham Palace
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