Local soccer team wins San Marino Cup

ITALY — United Soccer Club is proud to announce that our boys 18 team, coached by Chris Renaldo, has become the first-ever American team to win the San Marino Cup. Jesus Mendez, of Bonners Ferry, scored on a header, finishing a great assist from Brandon Eddy of Sandpoint in the second half to complete the come-from-behind 3-2 win over Sportstiva Villafranca Terrena (a team from Sicily). Kyle Meaux, Gunnar Paulsen, Tanner Welch and Seth Baker, all of Sandpoint, have played crucial roles in the team's success.

It was exciting to play before a packed stadium with the crowd definitely in our favor. Red, white and blue flags were flying high! Mendez also scored the tying goal, and Joe Renaldo of St. Maries scored on an assist from Justin Frey of Richland, Wash. The defensive play of the game came from Justin Kuska of Moscow, who saved a goal behind our keeper to keep the game tied in the first half with a bicycle kick just before the ball crossed into the net.

The boys have left San Marino now, and enjoyed the beautiful city of Venice, which was a great place to be when Italy won the World Cup. Within ten seconds of the final whistle, the city erupted into celebration that lasted most of the night. The experience of being in the country that has won the cup is possibly a once in a lifetime event that nobody here will ever forget!

The team will now head to the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the largest youth soccer tournament in the world.