Lightning team returns from Ireland

The Lightning '87 boys soccer team (U-14) toured in Ireland and England over the summer and came within a shoot-out of winning an international tournament.

The team had the opportunity to compete against some of the top youth teams in the world at the Manchester Umbro International Soccer Tournament, in Manchester, England, home of the storied Manchester United F.C. This annual event attracts more than 400 teams from more than 30 different countries.

Prior to competing in England, the Lightning boys and their families spent a week in Ireland, where they toured the countryside, met the Irish prime minister, visited the president's home and played friendly matches against various youth soccer teams, including the host Stella Maris F.C., the current All-Ireland champions. The Lightning team hosted the Stella Maris team and their families in the spring of 1999 here in Fayette County and were extended an invitation to visit Ireland at that time.

A tour of southwest Ireland, including Killarney, Tralee, Kerry, the Irish coast, the Blarney Stone, Bunratty Castle and the Irish countryside, complemented their activities in Dublin. Lightning coach Steve Muccillo had an opportunity to observe Irish coaching methods during an extensive training session conducted for the Lightning team under the direction of Gary Munnelly, a top Irish youth coach.

The Stella Maris players and their families were outstanding hosts, providing an incredible cultural and social experience for everyone invloved, said Muccillo. Many of the friendships established during home stays last year in Georgia and this summer in Ireland will last a lifetime.

The '87 Gold team then traveled from Dublin, Ireland to Manchester, England to participate in the Umbro tournament. They competed in the top boys division, which showcased 18 teams from Europe, Iceland, China and the United States. With a 3-1-1 record in preliminary matches and a 4-2 victory in the quarterfinal match, the Lightning boys advanced to the semi-finals along with three English teams.

Playing their best soccer of the tournament, the '87 Gold team defeated an English youth team representing Bolton's, a well-known English 1st Division professional club, 4-0.

The championship match was played on the stadium field in front of a large crowd of enthusiastic fans. After taking a 1-0 lead early in the match, the '87 Gold team was forced to play a man down for most of the final. The title match was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and the Lightning's English opponents, Reddish Villa, prevailed in the penalty kick shootout.

Muccillo said the team is thankful to the residents of Fayette County who supported their fund-raising efforts and helped enable them to participate and benefit from this experience.

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