Under the bright lights of historic RFK Stadium, the U.S. Soccer Foundation celebrated the third year of the Capital Soccer Classic, presented by NIKE. A family-friendly event supporting the Foundation’s sport-based youth development programs, the Classic captured soccer’s vibrant energy through different components, including an Embassy Tournament, Congressional Match, and a Staffer Tournament.
Representatives from eleven embassies and the U.S. State Department launched the night into action during the dynamic Embassy Tournament. After rainy weather conditions, missed goals, and hard fought saves, the Netherlands prevailed as this year’s champion.
The Congressional Match followed the Embassy Tournament and true to previous years, was spirited and good-natured. Soccer for Success participants joined Members of Congress and former professional soccer players midfield to start the match. Both Democrats and Republicans played to win – and with soccer legends including Cobi Jones, Cindy (Parlow) Cone, Lori Lindsey, and Ben Olsen on both teams, the match quickly became one for the history books.
The match ended with a penalty kick shootout, a final score of 8-4, and a victory for the Republicans.
The night concluded with the Staffer Tournament, featuring federal employees from both sides of the aisle. The Staffer Tournament doubled in size from 2014, and the excitement around the tournament was palpable. A friendly competition, the Staffer Tournament ended the Capital Soccer Classic on a unifying note, further showcasing the power of soccer to join everyone as one team working for a positive cause.
The Capital Soccer Classic is just one of the ways that the U.S. Soccer Foundation seeks to constructively impact youth using the sport of soccer. Thank you to the Capital Soccer Classic sponsors for their support of the Capital Soccer Classic. Funds generated at the Classic will help provide life-changing opportunities to children in under-resourced neighborhoods, while transforming and empowering communities in an innovative way.







For more information about the U.S. Soccer Foundation and its programs – visit ussoccerfoundation.org.