Members of Oswestry School’s first and second football team recently travelled to the United States to test themselves against top opposition.
The team competed in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup and were determined to improve on last year’s performance which saw them eliminated on penalties at the semi-final stage.
Oswestry suffered a 3-0 defeat in its first game against Las Vegas Soccer Academy, although a solo goal by Fergus Yang gave the team a 1-0 win against Compton Futbol Legacy and renewed its hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
An entertaining match in the final group game against Twinstars Academy saw Oswestry exit the competition after a 3-2 defeat. The team fought back from a two goal deficit and found the opposition goalkeeper in fine form, making some excellent saves to thwart the Shropshire school.
The team moved onto California and played a friendly against Orange County Slammers, managed by ex-Argentinian international Luis Balboa.
Alun Morris, Oswestry’s football coach, commented: “Despite results not going to plan, nine of our 1st XI will meet with American college recruiters this term in the hope of securing a scholarship to play football (soccer) in the USA. We wish them the best of luck in their pursuit of the American dream.”