Total Soccer Cayman competed at the 2022 Rood-Wit International U10 Tournament in the Netherlands from 4-5 June, where they finished eighth out of 24 teams.
The Cayman boys’ team, which consisted of 14 players, was seeded higher in the tournament than several European academies from major professional teams, like Liverpool FC, Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven, KAA Gent, and Juventus, defeating the latter 1-0 during group play.
“The result against Juventus was a dream come true,” according to a statement issued by TSC to the Cayman Compass.
The last time Cayman participated in the tournament was back in 2019 when they finished 21st.
“I am extremely proud of how the boys presented themselves and that it sets a new standard for us as a club to work towards,” Peter Reijn, head coach of TSC, said.
After two wins, two draws and a loss during the group stage of the competition, Cayman advanced to play in the subsequent Champions League competition against five other teams.
Competing against top-tier teams, Cayman finished with a record of one win, two draws and two losses.
Belgium’s KAA Gent won the Champions League trophy while Cayman closed out the competition with a playoff match for seventh or eighth against Royal Antwerp FC.
Cayman would fall short in a penalty shootout, after fulltime play could not decide a winner, resulting in an eighth place ranking out of the 24 teams.
“These little warriors… played their hearts out, showed immense determination and tenacity, but above all, great teamwork to leave their mark in Europe and to raise the profile of the Cayman Islands on a stage that few thought would ever be possible,” the TSC release stated.
Related Videos
