| Field Locations |
| Field Conditions |
| Volunteer |
| HYS Calendar |
| Dulles Tournament |
| All-Star Cup |
| News and Notes |
| Talk to Us |
| HYS Directory |
| Field Permits |
| Field Procedures |
Click on Logo above for HYS specials
| Field Locations |
| Field Conditions |
| Volunteer |
| HYS Calendar |
| Dulles Tournament |
| All-Star Cup |
| News and Notes |
| Talk to Us |
| HYS Directory |
| Field Permits |
| Field Procedures |
The U14 Herndon Real Juniors boys soccer team won the championship at the prestigious Bethesda Thanksgiving Soccer Tournament held at the Germantown, Maryland Soccerplex last weekend (Nov 22-23). The Bethesda Tournament was regarded as the top-rated U14 tournament in the United States. In capturing this championship, the Real Juniors were promoted to the Number 1 ranking in the GotSoccer.com national youth soccer poll. It is the first time the team has received the honor of being the top-ranked U14 Boys team in the nation. It is also the first time a Herndon Youth Soccer team has achieved this significant accomplishment.
The Real Juniors began the tournament with a decisive 3-0 victory over the former top-ranked side from Dix Hills, New York. Herndon utilized a stifling defense to limit Dix Hills to just two shots on goal. Offensively, Real Juniors capitalized with a goal from Alfonso Mendez and two goals from Nick Bourbonnais as they quickly set the tone and direction for the remainder of the tournament.
In the tournament's Semifinal Match, Herndon dominated the pace and flow of the contest while holding their opponent, the Prince William Magnum, scoreless. It was a cornerkick taken by Patrick Foss and finished by Alfonso Mendez that proved to be the difference as the Real Juniors advanced to the Championship Match by a 1-0 margin.
In the Final, Herndon squared off against the New Jersey State Champion, NJSA '04 United. The United were coached by former US Men's National Team and Major League Soccer star Tab Ramos. In what was considered one of the best-played matches contested at the U14 level, Herndon enjoyed an early advantage in the play. Striker Alfonso Mendez' 25-yard blast into the upper left-hand corner was the result of a brilliant counter attack which allowed Herndon to secure a 1-0 lead in the closing seconds of the first half.
While the match was fluid and the pace exceptionally upbeat, Real Juniors were able to switch the attack and enjoyed much of the play due to the exceptional leadership of defensive midfielder, Ian Harkes. Harkes was complimented in the midfield by left flanker David McCarthy, right midfielders Rafael Fagundo and Noel Taterway along with center midfielders Nick Baietti and Filip Mayernik.
In the second half, NJSA pressured the attack and made countless attempts to get forward. While theUnited elevated their pressure, Herndon's defense remained well-organized and completely up to the task. Real Juniors secured the right side with defenders Sean McGorty and Stephen Wulff while Demos Vroustouris roamed the left flank. Team captain Patrick Foss and Kyle Campbell added a well-organized presence from the central defense throughout the tournament and goalkeeper Sami Dridi recordedthree shutouts.
It was an impressive weekend for the Herndon side as the Real Juniors defeated three state championship teams and one regional champion on their way to the Bethesda title.
