Rage kick way into elite tournament

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Twelve-year-old Kyle Wray is reminded of one of sports’ most valuable lessons every time he pulls on his jersey.

It’s one he learned from his coaches when he began playing competitive soccer two years ago, and it’s one that he’s reminded of every time he touches a soccer ball.

The lesson is simple: You can’t win the game on your own.

Now, the Braden River Soccer Club U13 boys premier team captain and midfielder is hoping he and his teammates take that message to heart as they prepare to compete in the prestigious Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup April 1-8.

The Rage was one of 24 teams in their age bracket selected from across the world to participate in the tournament.

“I was excited, because I know that’s a good tournament,” Wray said. “We’ve been progressing and getting better, and finally we’ve gotten to the next stage. We’ve definitely gotten better and are more confident now.”
Teammate Jake Welch agreed.

“I was very excited, and I’m thrilled to be entered into it,” said Welch, who plays center midfield for the Rage. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The Rage will open group play competition versus California’s FC Golden State April 1. The team also is scheduled to play Mexico’s Tigres April 2 and FC Dallas April 4. Additional games April 5-8 will be determined after group play.

“We want to be known as a team that comes to play and controls the game,” coach Kai Haaskivi said. “They’re finding the joy of the game and enjoying the way we play. For us to be successful, we need everyone to contribute. That’s part of our success. They’re consistently good, because they really rely on each other.”

In addition to playing their own games, the players also are looking forward to the opportunity to see some of the top teams in the world compete, including Manchester United.

“I’m just looking forward to having fun and playing other teams from all around the world, especially Mexico,” Welch said. “It’ll be fun to see the way that they play.”

“Not only will they have the opportunity to play some of the best teams internationally and nationally, but they’ll also get to see them,” Haaskivi said. “You can learn as much from watching as you can from playing.”

Braden River, ranked 11th in the state in its division according to gotsoccer.com, learned it had been chosen to participate in the Dallas Cup in January after winning the 2012 Disney President’s Day Tournament.

“The team’s very technical, and I think they play a very attacking brand if soccer,” Haaskivi said. “They’re offensive-minded, which allows them to take chances and be creative in games.

“I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Haaskivi said. “Anyone who comes to see us play will see that we are a soccer team that plays soccer, and we are well on our way.”

And although the team may be smaller in both size and stature compared to the teams it has played, the Rage remains confident in its ability to compete with the nation’s elite. The team has practiced two to four times a week in preparation for its upcoming tournament.

“I expect everyone to play well,” Welch said. “We’ve been training really hard all year long, and we deserve to go there.”

“I hope we do (well),” Wray said. “We just have to play the best we can and pass the ball. You can’t win the game on your own.”

For more information on the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup, including tournament schedules and results, visit www.dallascup.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].