Topic: Dana Cup and Gothia Cup..95's and 94's (Read 9254 times)

Boo'sdaddy · « **Reply #60 on:** July 11, 2008, 04:56:53 AM »

Outstanding! I get off work this morning at the same time the 95 game starts in Denmark. There is no way I'm going to be able to get to sleep!

truth · « **Reply #61 on:** July 11, 2008, 04:58:32 AM »

Quote from: "Boo'sdaddy"

Quote from: "Bad Boy's Girlfriend"
So, how does a kid get on Team Benson USA anyway? Are there tryouts where hundreds of girls show up from WA (or thousands of kids from across the USA) and only the very best 15 to 18 kids are selected to go on this European trip (who of course have parents with enough money to cover the costs)? Or, is it more of a case where they have to do a bit of marketing and advertising each year, maybe sending out flyers, etc., to find enough parents who are willing to go along with this (basically if you play for a good club then you're in without maybe even them having seen your kid play)? Just curious how this all works. When I first heard about this I thought, "oh wow, what an honor", but then someone told me it's just a matter of what parents are willing to lay down the cash, not so much talent. Maybe it's somewhere in the middle, I don't know, but just trying to find out the truth. Either way this dude has it petty good, as he gets a free trip to Europe every year! :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm sure the kids have a great experience, but am I the only one thinking this is a bit over the top?

II would suggest that anyone who has any questions about whether this is just a way for the Bensons to get a free trip to Europe every year do some reading about Bruce and Ginny Benson. That could not be farther from the truth. Youth soccer has been both Bruce and Ginny's life passion not only in the United States, but also around the world. The Benson's just recently returned from Uganda where the visited children they have developed relationships with through attending these tournaments.

Bruce is a USSF A licensed coach with over 30 years of coaching experience which includes a number of state championship titles. Putting this together for the kids is a ton of work both leading up to and during the trip. Having seen what the trip entails I would hardly consider it much of a vacation for them.

Most of the players have been previously scouted by Bruce and are invited to play on the team. The 13's this year are made of girls from WA,OR,ID, and AK. I certainly would not say the team is ODP quality, but it is made up of very talented soccer players. The Benson's teams have won both the DANA #1 tournament and the Gothia Cup, which is the biggest youth soccer tournament in the world. Google it, you will be amazed. You do not win either of these tournaments with sub par soccer teams. Yes, it is expensive and not everyone can afford to go. It certainly took a bite out of my budget this year.

I have talked to a lot of soccer coaches and players this year that either played for Benson Soccer or participated in the Dana or Gothia Cup. One coach in particular who played very high level as a youth and at a division 1 college told me it was one of the biggest highlights of their soccer career to date.

It is a life's soccer experience in my opinion that can only be rivaled by maybe representing your country on the national team in the Olympics.

Bravo. A job well done

MA · « **Reply #62 on:** July 11, 2008, 07:25:42 AM »

Just an update about yesterdays semi vs Iceland. I guess the game was more intense for the Iceland manager.... They were the Iceland National champs. When the final whistle blew...she dropped dead ...heart attack. Paramedics revived here and took her away. Havent heard anything else. Wow.... now thats crazy.
We are heading out in a bit to watch both the 95's and 94's play in the Final. We are hoping for a double Benson win!!! Either way... the girls are bringing home a Dana Cup trophy... for a job well done.

We did some laundry today. Funny thing.... in the laundry place...or whatever they call it here... were 2 other American teams and the Canadians. All in the finals. Way to go North American teams.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #63 on:** July 11, 2008, 08:22:28 AM »

Quote from: "MA"

Just an update about yesterdays semi vs Iceland. I guess the game was more intense for the Iceland manager.... They were the Iceland National champs. When the final whistle blew...she dropped dead ...heart attack. Paramedics revived here and took her away. Havent heard anything else. Wow.... now thats crazy.
We are heading out in a bit to watch both the 95's and 94's play in the Final. We are hoping for a double Benson win!!! Either way... the girls are bringing home a Dana Cup trophy... for a job well done.

We did some laundry today. Funny thing.... in the laundry place...or whatever they call it here... were 2 other American teams and the Canadians. All in the finals. Way to go North American teams.

WOW Ma! I hope shes ok. Good thoughts and prayers for her.

Good Luck to the teams!

dogedog · « **Reply #64 on:** July 11, 2008, 08:38:20 AM »

I have also gotten reports that a girl off the 94 squad fractured her ankle in the Semi-Final game. What I know is she spent some time at the hospital getting two casts. i guess they messed up on the first one.

Maybe MA or Cyclopes and give us recap of how this young superstar is doing.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #65 on:** July 11, 2008, 08:47:20 AM »

I hope she's ok Dog. Casting is usually pretty easily done, but if you miss one area or put too much in one, it can dig at your leg, foot, arm and cause you more pain. Not fun to have to redo it.

Pics of the action the past couple of days

Benson 95 vs Denmark. Right after Benson Won.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #66 on:** July 11, 2008, 10:43:36 AM »

in current 95 game,,,,,,,,,
they are in PK's!

Brat Jr · « **Reply #67 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:04:52 AM »

and the US wins!!!
Wtg Team Benson

Gumby · « **Reply #68 on:** July 11, 2008, 11:05:22 AM »

Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama · « **Reply #69 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:14:02 PM »

HOORAY!!!! I'm at work and Boo's daddy was supposed to text me, but I left my cell in the car. This was my first chance to peek at the computer....and my screams of YES!! caught lots of attention. ooops! :oops:

ThatJustHappened · « **Reply #70 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:21:02 PM »

Quote from: "Brat Jr"

and the US wins!!!
Wtg Team Benson

This thread has been so fun to read...I look forward to the updates everyday and I don't even know any of the folks participating. Great job Team Benson...way to represent the state of WA & the US :!: :!:

Brat Jr · « **Reply #71 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:22:53 PM »

Quote from: "Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama"

HOORAY!!!! I'm at work and Boo's daddy was supposed to text me, but I left my cell in the car. This was my first chance to peek at the computer....and my screams of YES!! caught lots of attention. ooops! :oops:

LOL I think a lot of you have done that.
Don't work now and never worked somewhere that had internet, so my family gets all my shouts of YES!!!! :mrgreen:

RACER X · « **Reply #72 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:43:49 PM »

These kids are making memories that will never be forgotten, and what stories they will have to tell their kids.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #73 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:50:20 PM »

Quote from: "RACER X"

These kids are making memories that will never be forgotten, and what stories they will have to tell their kids.

FORGET the kids telling THEIR kids! I WANT TO KNOW! :mrgreen:

ltg · « **Reply #74 on:** July 11, 2008, 12:57:46 PM »

well, i'm on vacation in cali visiting my other dd and i have enjoyed reading the updates. my dh is not one for emailing so it was exciting when i got a phone call telling me they won the whole thing. Apparently it has been very very intense soccer and two games which went into PKs would have stopped my heart too ( you all who know me know my heart starts beating erratically at any soccer stress) so it is best that i am relaxing down here by the pool at the hotel all by myself except for a pocketful of money and my computer and my dd comes over and visits me in between practices ( they have 2 a day plus they have to do yoga)

Soccertaxi · « **Reply #75 on:** July 11, 2008, 02:39:38 PM »

5 minutes into the game the Swedish National champions Boo(pronounced bough) scored. 10 minutes later, Boo scored again and it was 0-2 at half.

In the second half, Benson scored in the first 5 minutes and then again in the next 5 and tied it up. There was no additional scoring in the half so it was off to over-time (2 ten minute periods, no golden goal).

Still tied after OT and they are headed to PK's. Boo goes first, makes their shot. Benson's first shot is blocked. Benson is down one shot when Boo's 5th shot is blocked. If Benson makes their 5th if is off to sudden death. Unfortunately, the strike was just over and the game ends.

Since this is the same team that the 94's lost to in bracket play, they have to be pleased to have come back, tied up the game and given themselves an opportunity to win. The confidence on a "young" team of being able to come back from a two goal deficit is huge and should help them mentally when they get to the Gothia Cup. I haven't checked, but I'm sure Boo is heading there too.

At the end of the day, they may not be bringing home gold, but the second place hardware is wonderful and they have to be very pleased with the progress they have made as a team in such a short period of time. Well done Benson Soccer!!

MA · « **Reply #76 on:** July 11, 2008, 02:52:33 PM »

Wow!! What a night!!!!
Both teams take home trophies... the 95's with the gold... the 94's with the silver and both with TONS to be proud of!! Both went to PK.s.
Talk about having NO nails left! Im finally in my room having some celebration time with Tim and Mom.

But tonight was a night to remember. The stands were full.... the English lads were all wearing Benson shirts that they traded for. Their coaches had the stands chanting all game long!!! It was just awesome.

I have some great photos that I will try to get up but Im thinking Bruce will beat me to it.

But to all you back home reading this.... these girls that have never played any games together until 2 days before they left... beating other countries National Champs...says a whole lot about the girls themselves and the coaches... Bruce and Rusty. They are getting awesome play out of girls they have never coached.
For me personally... this experience is amazing. Im SO proud of these girls.
I have to admit... I had tears of pride for our kids and our country when they marched in and a few more when they won!!!

Congratulations Benson Soccer for bringing home the hardware. On to the Gothia Cup!! :mrgreen:

dogedog · « **Reply #77 on:** July 11, 2008, 03:19:48 PM »

Great job to both of the Benson teams.

Now on to the biggest youth tourney in the world Gothia cup.

GO BENSON USA

naturallyhappy31 · « **Reply #78 on:** July 11, 2008, 07:28:24 PM »

way to go "precious" keep!
Proud of all you girls!!!

MA · « **Reply #79 on:** July 12, 2008, 05:45:40 AM »

I hope this works...
Its the video of the final 2 PK's of the U-13 Benson v Canada game.
Brings a tear to my eye

Enjoy!

Boo'sdaddy · « **Reply #80 on:** July 12, 2008, 06:34:08 AM »

Thanks for posting that MA. It was totally awsome! Here is the link.

Brat Jr · « **Reply #81 on:** July 12, 2008, 07:11:51 AM »

Quote from: "Boo'sdaddy"

Thanks for posting that MA. It was totally awsome! Here is the link.

That was so cool! Thanks MA and BD :mrgreen:

Brat Jr · « **Reply #82 on:** July 12, 2008, 11:59:24 AM »

I had to laugh at Bruces last email :lol:
Short and to the point!

13's won in pks, 14's ln pks. exhausted, can't write any more. more later.
B

Dragon · « **Reply #83 on:** July 12, 2008, 10:22:53 PM »

very cool! Love watchin' PK's :mrgreen:

EWSoccer64 · « **Reply #84 on:** July 13, 2008, 12:01:06 AM »

Great video. One question, though.

It looked like the team was swarmed by their mothers after winning. Did not any Dad's go along?

Let's be glad that duffer, that old dog, stayed home!

MA · « **Reply #85 on:** July 13, 2008, 09:38:19 AM »

They were swarmed by the 94's and then the Iceland team!!!! They are making many friends here.

Today we left Denmark. The girls got up early their new english friends got up early as well to say goodbye.

We took the ferry to sweden. That was too much fun. The girls could play slots on the ferry. A couple did and won a bit of cash!!
We arrived in Sweden and I am happy to say.... its awesome. The girls checked into their school and had lunch and are now on the Ave. Shopping.
We... Mom, Tim, lts's hubby and I went to lunch on the canal. It was fabulous. I have some great photos. Its hard to post my photos now but I can when we return home.

The hotel Eggers is very pretty . Not much else to report... First games are tomorrow. The city is packed with tourists and soccer teams.

Boo's Daddy's Baby's Mama · « **Reply #86 on:** July 13, 2008, 10:38:18 PM »

WPFC represent!

Brat Jr · « **Reply #87 on:** July 13, 2008, 10:42:52 PM »

:mrgreen:

ltg · « **Reply #88 on:** July 14, 2008, 12:15:15 AM »

so funny. can you tell. my daughter watched both discs of Woodstock on our 18 hour drive back from California right before she left for europe. so cute. i miss her.

MA · « **Reply #89 on:** July 14, 2008, 01:31:10 AM »

Sweden is amazing. The food is terrific. The city is buzzing.
First games in a bit. Opening ceremonies tonight.

The 95s play first ... at 10:50 today v Sweden. 94's at 3ish.

I will post some results later.

Hey LTG.... Alli and Logan are now rostered on both the 95 and 94 team. They MIGHT get some time with the 94.s Who knows??

Should get some great photos tonight. We have heard the singers rehearsing in the Stadium. Wow!

We met some Scottish coaches in a pub lastnight. Funny!!! Nuff said. haha

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Author Topic: Dana Cup and Gothia Cup..95's and 94's (Read 9254 times)