FC CONNECTICUT 2015 GOTHIA CUP TRIP

On July 8 2015 FC Connecticut and UK Elite Soccer left from JFK and heading to Copenhagen for the first stop before heading to play in the Gothia Cup, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Gothia Cup has over 1700 teams from 78 different countries and is the youth world cup of soccer. FC CT had 6 teams. U12 boys blue,u12 boys red,u12 girls,u14 boys,u15 girls and u18 girls. FC CT was led by Jon Bradley,Darien Coaching Director and Darien Boys Varsity Coach, and Scott McBride Regional Manager for UK Elite and Assistant Womens Coach at the University of Bridgeport. We had 6 teams, 78 players and over 150 in our party including parents and coaches. Other coaches included Rich Sutherland,Chris Flaherty,Dave Garcia,Steve Cochran,Michael Alexis and Jack Knight.
The trip began with 3 days in Copenhagen,Denmark. Each team played 2 games against some excellent opposition including FC Copenhagen. Day 1 we were treated to a fantastic day by Frederiksvaerk BK who hosted all 6 teams and put on a bbq like no other for all 150 people.
Sunday we headed for our 3hr bus ride to Gothenburg where we got a good nights sleep in the fantastic Gothia Towers and then we headed out for our first games on Monday. Monday evening was something to remember. In front of 56000 people at the Ullevi stadium the opening ceremony took place. FC Connecticut was hand picked to represent the United States in the ceremony and got to walk the field. Truly an incredible experience.
Group play continued for 2 more days where the u12 boys blue and u15 girls were unbeaten and entered the A bracket. Both played exciting games and but for some questionable ref decisions may well have progressed further.
The u12 boys red and u14 boys both suffered tough defeats but we were extremely proud of how they did and they became the biggest supporters for the u12 girls and u18 girls.
The u18 girls ran through the field on their way to winning the tournament. With some fantastic soccer and great goals they were worthy winners of Gothia Cup 2015. The highlight of their trip, aside from being champions, was in Denmark as they played at the FC Nordeslland stadium where Chelsea and Juventus played in the Champions league.
The u12 girls began the tournament with a tough loss but all was not lost. After a tough group stage the girls took the play offs by storm. An amazing win 2-1 win in the semi final against our German opposition led us to meet our Swedish opposition in the final.
The girls led 1-0 until 4 seconds left in the game when FC CT gave up a goal and we were tied at 1-1. Off to PKs. The girls regrouped and won 4-2 on PKs becoming FC CTs second champion of Gothia Cup 2015.
With players from Westchester County,Fairfield County,Long Island,Mass,Minnesota and various other places the trip was amazing. FC Connecticut will be heading back to the Gothia Cup in 2016 so stay tuned for your opportunity to attend in 2016.