KIRKWOOD, Del. (July 18, 2008) – The first day games are complete at the 2008 US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup taking place at the Kirkwood Soccer Complex in Kirkwood, Del., which features teams in the Under-14 through Under-17 age groups for boys and girls.   

The 32 teams have qualified for the Presidents Cup and represent 13 US Youth Soccer State Associations. The Presidents Cup provides teams a tournament experience at an elite level, for teams not typically given such an opportunity.

Excitement filled the air as teams took to the field today to kickoff day one of round robin play at the Presidents Cup. For some, this is their first appearance at a tournament of this scope and teams have traveled from as far as Alaska to compete for the title of US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup Champion.

"Today has proven to be a great opportunity for all teams involved. Competing on a wide-scale stage increases the level of competition and raises the bar for all teams involved, which will continue to foster the growth of soccer in America," said Jim Cosgrove Executive Director of US Youth Soccer.

From North Carolina, Wilson Explosion Under-15 Girls walked away with a 4:1 win over Wyoming Valley (EPA) today. Early in the 10^th minute, Wilson put one in the back of the net, and Wyoming countered it in the 12^th to tie the game. In the 16^th minute, Wilson took the upper hand and pulled into the lead, where they remained after posting two goals in the 42^nd and 47^th minutes.

Wilson head coach Toni Earacchi said, "This is a great event and a great opportunity. To come here is something that these kids might not have been able to do. I think it's a great incentive for them to get better and compete at a higher level. It has definitely helped with their commitment to the team and the game of soccer because they are realizing how good they really are."

In the Under-14 Boys and Under-16 Girls division, two North Texas teams came out with ties.

With a goal in the 20^th, West Texas United (NTX) Under-14 Boys held the lead against Lighthouse Hurricanes (EPA) until Lighthouse evened the score to 1:1 in the 62^nd minute. Both teams put forth great defensive measures, which left both with a final 1:1 score.

Late in the game and down 2:1, West Texas United (NTX) Under-16 Girls tied the game against Coastal United (NC) 2:2 when they netted one in the 72^nd minute.

Teams will attend an event at Picnic Grove this afternoon in Delaware Park for all players and coaches. Round robin games resume tomorrow at 8 a.m. and Presidents Cup champions will be crowned on Sunday, July 20. For more information, please visit www.USYouthSoccer.org/PresidentsCup/. 

All games that were set to play on the turf fields have been moved to grass fields. For updated schedules and scores, click here.

US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup
Day 1 Results

TASC Team America (VA)	2	vs	Baltimore Bays (MD)	0	U14B
West Texas United (NTX)	1	vs	Lighthouse Hurricanes (EPA)	1	U14B
Bucks-Mont United (EPA)	2	vs	Kirkwood SC Destroyers (DE)	0	U16G
West Texas United (NTX)	2	vs	Coastal United (NC)	2	U16G
GSPAA Elite (MD)	4	vs	Hulmelville Sting (EPA)	0	U15B
JSC Jammers Gold (NC)	2	vs	West Houston Pumas (STX)	0	U15B
HBC Intense (ENY)	4	vs	VA Rush (VA)	0	U15G
Wilson Explosion (NC)	4	vs	Wyoming Valley (EPA)	1	U15G
Chesco Premier (EPA)	2	vs	Kosmos (ENY)	2	U16B
Texans FC 91/92 (STX)	2	vs	Devils (NV)	4	U16B
N/A, Bracket will play RR, top two advance Sunday		vs	N/A, Bracket will play RR, top two advance Sunday		U14G
Texas Rush Nike (STX)	2	vs	CYA Phoenix (VA/Region I)	0	U14G
West VA Chaos (WV)	1	vs	Croatian Eagles SC (WI)	6	U17B
FSC Force (NC)	4	vs	Real Las Vegas SC (NV)	3	U17B
Tidal Wave Big Blue (RI)	1	vs	Wyoming Valley (EPA)	0	U17G
FC Dallas Blue (NTX)	3	vs	Alaska Rush 91 (AK)	4	U17G