The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, the most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, concluded today with River Plate besting the U.S. U20 National Team in the rematch of the opening day contest. Also decided were the champions of the U17, Super 17’s, and U19 age groups. Including yesterday’s final matches, the eight Dr Pepper Dallas Cup age group Champions are represented by five countries; USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina.

Gordon Jago Super Group

The final game of Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXV, was a rematch of last Sunday’s opening day marquee game, which saw the U.S. Men’s U20 National Team come from behind to defeat River Plate.  This time it was the motivated club from Buenos Aires who scored first, when Lucas Boye’s determined effort resulted in a goal. A pair of weather delays forced the teams to seek shelter at halftime and again in the 65th minute.  With the U.S. pressing for the tying goal, Boye made his presence felt again in the 83rd minute when he found a way to get a shot off in between three U.S. defenders and sealed the 2-0 victory for River Plate. The Argentines were able to hold off the U.S. U20’s for the final minutes of the match and were justly crowned the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXV Gordon Jago Super Group Champions.

Under 19

The Costa Rican Under-19 National Team defeated Liverpool FC Foundation College to win the U19 Championship, 1-0.  The Costa Ricans set the tone throughout the game, and could have scored more if not for a well-organized Liverpool defense.  The goal came in the 24th minute when Costa Rica forward, Jeffry Montenegro, was able to poke a loose ball across the goal line for the game’s only goal. Liverpool FC battled hard to keep it close, and took their chances on counter-attacks and set-pieces, but was unable to find the back of the net.

Super 17’s

The Super 17’s, created this year in celebration of Dallas Cup’s 35th anniversary, featured two Mexican sides, Club America and CF Monterrey, vying for the inaugural championship. Club America scored first in the 33rd minute as Eduarth Soria’s searching cross into the box skipped past the screened Rayados goalkeeper and into the net for a 1-0 lead.  A breakaway six minutes later and rocket of a shot in the 58th increased America’s lead to 3-0. Monterrey was able to get a consolation goal in the 80th minute, but it was not enough as Club America lifted the first Super 17’s trophy.

Under 17

This game guaranteed a local champion would be crowned as FC Dallas Premier met a familiar foe in FC Dallas Gold. After a scoreless first half, FC Dallas Gold started the second half with two goals four minutes apart. Osvaldo Veloz put away a 56th minute penalty kick and, in what could be the goal of the Championship weekend, Dominick Faletto’s nifty bicycle kick in the 60th minute gave FC Dallas Gold a 2-0 lead.  FC Dallas Premier’s Sergio Lara scored from the penalty kick spot in the 66th minute, but FC Dallas Gold answered with a first-time shot from Cisse Abdoulaye in the 80th to make things 3-1. Things got interesting when FC Dallas Gold suffered an own goal in stoppage time. FC Dallas Premier’s final desperation cross into the box found its mark, but was redirected right at Gold’s keeper, to keep the score line 3-2 in favor of FC Dallas Gold. 

Under 16

The final match of the day was local side FC Dallas Premier taking on Juventus SC Heat from Northern California for the U16 Championship. FC Dallas found themselves up 2-0 at halftime, despite being outshot 10 to 5.  It seemed that FC Dallas would be able to absorb Juventus’ pressure and hold on for the victory, but that changed in the 62 minute when David Ramos found himself on a breakaway and was able to get a goal back.  The goal lifted Juventus’ sprits and three minutes later Ramos struck again to send the game to overtime.  The game was evenly played throughout overtime with both teams having several good chances.  But with five minutes left, Steven Orozco drilled home a screamer that the left the FC Dallas keeper with no chance to keep it out.  The final result was a 3-2, come from behind victory.

Under 15

Tigres UANL of Mexico took on LVSA ’99 Red from Nevada in the U15 Final.  Tigres started strongly and made LVSA goalkeeper Phillip Starcher, come up with several acrobatic saves to keep the game scoreless. Tigres went ahead in the 13th minute when a cross deflected off a LVSA defender and towards his goal.  While Starcher initially appeared to make another outstanding save, the ball was judged to have fully crossed the line by the Assistant Referee. Tigres kept up the pressure throughout the entire first half and scored twice more for a 3-0 halftime lead on their way to a 5-0 shutout victory.

Under 14

The U14 Championship was a tight match that was decided in overtime.  Duncanville’s Wizards FC took on the tough Club Menedy from Guatemala.  Menedy’s Alberto Esmenjaud opened the scoring in the 25th minute as his hard shot slipped underneath the keeper’s arms, but the Wizards were able to equalize just six minutes later.  Although Menedy controlled the run of play throughout the game, they found themselves tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.  In overtime, a defensive lapse led to a breakaway goal, and in the last minute of overtime Menedy was able to score again to seal the victory, 3-1.

Under 13

Chivas USA met TSC Hurricanes from Oklahoma for the right to wear the U13 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup crown.  Throughout most of the first half, Chivas USA had the better run of the play, but was held scoreless with the help of a sturdy crossbar and fantastic goalkeeping from TSC Hurricane Christian Chavez. It took a 31st minute wonder strike from Chivas USA’s Misael Becerra, to get the game’s only goal. TSC Hurricanes managed to withstand the Chivas onslaughts throughout the rest of the game but was unable to find the back of the net themselves.

Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXVI will be March 29 through April 5, 2015.

Let's Play to donate $5,000 on behalf of each winning team

to a deserving U.S. non-profit organization

Outlasting elite competition from around the world to win the prestigious Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is an accomplishment that eight U.S. and international youth club soccer teams will remember for a lifetime. It will also pay off in a big way for some community organizations in dire need of sports equipment, apparel and gear to keep kids involved in organized team sports.

Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) to get kids and families active nationwide, is donating $5,000 in sports gear on behalf of each of the eight Dr Pepper Dallas Cup-winning teams to deserving U.S.-based community organizations. The $40,000 total contribution is part of the $1 million in sports gear DPS will donate this year through its Let’s Play partnership with Good Sports, a national non-profit organization that provides sports equipment to disadvantaged youth programs across the country.

“The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is truly a celebration of soccer and the passion people of all ages have for the sport,” said Vicki Draughn, vice president of corporate affairs for Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “In a year when soccer will capture the hearts and minds of sports fans across the U.S. and around the world, we are thrilled to help provide more kids the opportunity to get active through participating in the ‘Beautiful Game.’”

The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup winning teams are:

• Club Atlético River Plate, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Gordon Jago U19 Super Group)
• Costa Rica Under-19 National Team (U19)
• Club América, Mexico City (Super 17's)
• FC Dallas Gold, Rowlett, Texas (U17)
• Juventus SC Heat, Redwood City, Calif. (U16)
• Tigres UANL, San Nicolás, Mexico (U15)
• Club Menedy FC, Guatemala City (U14)
• Chivas USA Academy, Carson, Calif. (U13)

“These teams represent the future of soccer in the United States and abroad. They are ambassadors of the sport and of their communities,” said Andy Swift, executive director of the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup. “We are thrilled that their accomplishments this past week will bring welcome support to some very deserving youth organizations and perhaps even help plant the seeds for the next generation of soccer stars in their communities.”

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group
Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have 6 of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of our 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Peñafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit DrPepperSnapple.com. For our latest news and updates, follow us at Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple.

About Let's Play

Let’s Play is a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) to get kids and families active nationwide. Since Let’s Play launched in 2011, DPS has committed $26worked with nonprofit KaBOOM! to build or improve more than 2,000 playgrounds across North America and in 2014 partnered with Good Sports to provide sports gear for deserving athletic organizations in communities coast to coast. For more information, visit LetsPlay.com or Facebook.com/LetsPlay.

About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup
Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014. Dallas Cup consists of eight age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week. Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and referees from across 47 states, six continents and more than 100 countries. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.

About Good Sports
Good Sports helps to lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles by providing athletic equipment, footwear, and apparel to disadvantaged young people nationwide. By partnering with sporting goods manufacturers, Good Sports is able to get the necessary equipment into the hands of the kids that need it most, giving them a chance to get in the game. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided over $10 million worth of equipment to over 1,400 youth programs, impacting more than 870,000 kids. For more information on how you can support Good Sports, please visit www.goodsports.org.

Checkout our Photos from our Dallas Cup Photographers

Dallas Cup Facebook

A crowd approaching 18,000 turned out on Opening Day to watch the triple-header at the Cotton Bowl.

Emmerson Hyndman earns a PK late in the first half after being fouled by a FC Dallas Defender.  The converted penalty by Moussa Dembele completed his first half hat trick and helped bring the Cottagers a 4-0 victory in Match Day 1 action.

Fluminense Captain, Ikaro Mychell Maia, holds off two Chivas Guadalajara defenders.  The teams ended up with a 1-1 draw when Fluminense's Ailton Silva scored in the 70th minute.

River Plate celebrate a 1st half goal.  They would take a 2-1 lead into halftime but would eventually fall 3-2, when, in stoppage time, their would-be tying goal was judged to be off side.

photo by Dante Ibanez

Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Pre-Tournament News and Notes

• Game Notes for Opening Day Super Group games at the Cotton Bowl

FC Dallas vs. FC Fulham at 12:30pm:

Of note: Fulham, reigning U18 Premier League Champion, returns to Dallas to defend their 2013 Gordon Jago Super Group title. Cottager midfielder Emerson Hyndman, a three-time Dallas Cup champion and Dallas native, will be facing his former team, FC Dallas.

Keep an eye on:

• Aaron Meyers – Solid, consistent defensive midfielder who participated this year in spring training in Florida with the senior team (FC Dallas)
• Moussa Dembele – Dangerous target forward with Didier Drogba-like potential (Fulham FC)
• Emerson Hyndman – U.S. Youth National Team and former FC Dallas Academy player, among the top prospects in the Fulham youth system

CD Guadalajara vs. Fluminense FC at 3:00pm:

Of note: Fluminense, one of the pre-tournament favorites, advanced to the semi-finals of the 2013 Dallas Cup before being eliminated by eventual Champion Fulham in penalty kicks. The Brazil vs. Mexico matchup will mirror the upcoming FIFA World Cup Group A game.

Keep an eye on:

• Daniel Rios – Mexico U20 National Team. Strong Target Forward (Chivas).
• Euller Rodrigues (Fluminense FC) – Speedy winger. Often plays with the Fluminense reserve roster.

                             CA River Plate vs. U.S. Men’s U20 Team at 6:30pm:

Of note:  Both River Plate and the US National Teams have produced MLS stars.  Of the 22 players on the U.S. U20 Team, 16 are professional players and 8 play in MLS.

Keep an eye on:

• Juan Cruz Kaprof and Matías Santiago Sánchez – Regular first team reserve players and Argentine U20 National Team Players. (River Plate)
• Kellyn Acosta – 18 year old starting right back for Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. (US Men’s U20)
• Lynden Gooch – English Club Sunderland FC Academy U18 Player, having a breakout season. (US Men’s U20)

• The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is respected throughout the world as one of the most elite tournament across the globe. Joining over 200 college scouts, several international scouts from some of the biggest teams in Europe and South America will travel to Dallas this week in hopes of finding their team’s next superstar.  Scouts from the most important clubs in England, France, The Netherlands, Argentina, Mexico, and U.S.A’s Major League Soccer will be on hand to scout games from all age groups. 

• The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is pleased to announce that a free internet stream will be made available on dallascup.com for the Fluminense (BRA) vs. LA Galaxy (USA) game at 12:00pm on Monday, April 14^th. Later that same day, River Plate (ARG) vs. Tigres UANL (MEX) will be available.

• Two former MLS All-Stars, Dante Washington (Dallas, Columbus) and Diego Gutierrez (KC, Chicago), will participate in this year’s Opening Ceremonies, scheduled to begin on Sunday at 5:00pm at the Cotton Bowl. The Opening Ceremonies will be led by the Adamson High School Marching Band from DISD and the Jesuit Rangerettes Drill Team.

• Reigning MLS Player of the Month, FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz, will be recognized during the coin toss of Sunday’s marquee matchup of Argentina’s River Plate vs. the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team at 6:30pm. It will be a homecoming for Diaz, 23, who grew up playing in River Plate’s youth system and is scheduled to greet the team before the day’s match.

• In addition to Diaz, throughout the years, several high-profile MLS players have come through River Plate before landing with a MLS club, including: Juan Pablo Angel, Dario Sala, Pablo Ricchetti, Ferderico Higuain, and Juan Toja.

• The Dallas Cup reach is truly global, as over 250 referees from 29 countries covering six continents will come to Dallas to officiate games during the tournament’s eight days.