Recently the Lehigh Valley United U 12 boys’ soccer team won back to back premier level tournaments. The LVU 97 team played at the Bethesda Soccer Tournament the weekend before Thanksgiving. Held just outside Washington, DC, this tournament is considered one of the finest two-day soccer tournaments in the country. On Saturday (11/21), LVU 97 beat PSC Coppa Fire (PAE) 3-0 and Potomac SA Diplomats (MD) 5-1. On Sunday (11/22) in the semi-finals, LVU 97 faced Beachside of CT and won 1-0. In the finals, LVU 97 faced a very strong Tap FC Milan (VA) and won 4-2. As a result, LVU 97 brought home the championship trophy in the top flight.
The next weekend they next played at the 1st Annual Primo Cup held at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, PA. On Saturday (11/28), LVU 97 tied the Stronghold Spartans (NJ) 0-0 in their first game. They won the next game against the Danubia Shamrock Rovers (PAE) 4-0. On Sunday (11/29), LVU secured a spot in the semi-finals with a win against FC Delco Black 97(PAE) 3-1. In the semi-finals, LVU 97 beat Lower Merion Magic (PAE) 2-1 and advanced to the finals. In the finals LVU 97 faced the strong Thistle FC Premier Strikers (NJ) and won 1-0 bringing home the championship trophy.
As a result of their recent success at these tournaments, Gotsoccer.com and NSR has recognized the Lehigh Valley United 97 team by ranking them #1 in the state. Led by head coach Rob Hurley, the team is made up of boys from many areas in and around the Lehigh Valley.
From Bethlehem: Sammy Abiles, Steven Gaber, Kevin Silva and Michael Visperas
From Palisades- Tyler Andre
From Parkland: Ahmad Awadalla and Jake Stengel
From Northwestern: Jonathan Haaf
From Whitehall: Tony Kleckner
From East Stroudsburg: Aki Mollenthiel
From Nazareth: Moyin Opeyemi and Antonio Tavares
From Boyertown: Levi Robers
From East Penn: Tanner Shane
From Pennridge: Cameron Sheva
