First-time competitors at the Umbro Galway Cup, Dynamo Moscow, were the winners of this year’s elite event.
The Russian outfit defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-2 in penalties after a goalless match to claim this year’s 1997 Elite title.
The showpiece event saw English Premier League title holders Manchester City’s u-15 academy team finish bottom of their group before losing the Plate final to a talented Malaga FC side, while other contenders included Valerenga, Aberdeen, and Maccabi Haifa.
The elite players were among some 1200 who took part in the four-day underage soccer tournament at Drom Soccer Park. Celebrating its eighth edition, the Umbro Galway Cup produced 127 matches in five sections, culminating in Saturday’s finals.
There were home wins with Mervue United taking the first trophy when crowned Boys 1997 Bowl Champions for 2012, before claiming the 1995 Cup after beating Uist and Barra of Scotland by 4 - 1.
Another home win went to St Oliver Plunkett in the 1997 Boys’ competition after they beat Kildare 3-1 in penalties after a 1-1 game.
The 1999 Boys title was claimed by Kerry after deservingly beating Galway 4-0. Cavan/Monaghan took the 1999 Elite title – showing strong Irish representation among the winners across each category this year.
Tournament director Denis Burke, said once again the Umbro Galway Cup had welcomed a wealth of emerging soccer talent from various sides of the globe.
“This year saw the first Russian representation in the Umbro Galway Cup and it was great to see them take the 1997 Elite trophy to Moscow.”
For more information on the Umbro Galway Cup, log onto www.galwaycup.com or for further information on teams and results, visit www.Facebook.com/GalwayCup
