The 2017 Capital Soccer Classic is a wrap! It was an exciting evening filled with friendly competition and camaraderie around the world’s sport of soccer. The 5th annual Capital Soccer Classic, presented by Nike, was held on May 23rd under the bright lights at historic RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The night began with the Embassy Tournament, where 16 embassies played small-sided games in a round-robin tournament. At the end of the friendly tournament, Spain and Italy tied and shared the Embassy Tournament trophy! Embassies represented in the tournament included Argentina, Azerbaijan, China, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Georgia, Honduras, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. State Department.
Next, Members of Congress, as well as current and former soccer stars took to the pitch for the featured event of the evening – the Congressional Soccer Match. The two teams were joined by local Soccer for Success participants for the procession and introductions. The Democrats secured a 1-0 lead early, scoring within the first minutes of the game, but the Republicans tied it, 1-1, before halftime.
During halftime, we hosted a scrimmage between Soccer for Success participants from DC Scores. The scrimmage featured D.C. United stars Ian Harkes and Sean Franklin as guest coaches for the two teams. Halftime also featured the second annual King/Queen of the Hill Penalty Kick Shootout. After an exciting shootout, Hugh Fike (representing the office of Rep. Dave Brat) was crowned King of the Hill.
The second half got off to a fast start with the Republicans scoring twice within the first five minutes. The Democrats followed with three straight goals to secure the Congressional Soccer trophy for the second year in a row with a 5-3 win!
The evening was capped off by the Capitol Hill Staffer Tournament, where approximately 150 Hill Staffers and other VIPs played small-sided games. Everyone had a great time and the tournament continued to show how Congressional staff from both parties, and the greater community, can come together for a fun, friendly game of soccer, that supports the life-changing youth development programs offered by the U.S. Soccer Foundation.
Thank you to the 2017 Capital Soccer Classic sponsors for their support! The Capital Soccer Classic benefits the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s national sports-based youth development programs for kids in underserved communities. Click here to learn more about our programs and stay tuned for updates about next year’s Classic!
Check out the Congressional Soccer Caucus co-chairs as they address the House floor about the Capital Soccer Classic:
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR WORK AND THE 2017 CAPITAL SOCCER CLASSIC!
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