2008 Indigenous Soccer Cup

With the 2007 Indigenous Soccer Cup over and deemed a strong success, we take a quick look back.

From July 28th to August 4th, over 260 athletes, representing 34 North American tribes, gathered at the University of New Mexico. To the drum of Bernalillo’s Soaring Eagle, the ISC participants, wearing their jerseys and carrying their tribal flags, marched onto UNM’s Johnson Field during Opening Ceremonies. The celebration continued into the afternoon when the first round of matches kicked off. The six soccer fields were busy during the week, hosting 71 soccer matches.

More than just soccer, the ISC experience allowed players to get a taste of college life: living in the dorms, touring campus, and learning about what it takes to get to college. Players participated in extensive leadership training and cultural sharing led by Dr. Clayton Small.

A highlight for everyone came on Thursday when the Pueblo of Jemez welcomed all 21 teams to its community for an entire day. During Jemez’s feast day, ISC participants watch traditional dances and enjoyed the festivities. The best part, however, came when families took teams into their homes and fed players and coaches a wonderful meal.

All the brackets offered great match-ups and exciting games. Here is a recap of each bracket:

During the week, the U-14 girls’ bracket shaped up to be one of the most exciting. Five teams jockeyed for seeding during pool play, as tie breakers and mere points ended up separating the teams. The NACA eagles slipped by Team Alberta, moving on to face the number one seed, San Felipe, in the semifinals. Across the bracket, the Albuquerque Storm faced the Kirtland Coolcatz in the semifinal. After two incredible games, the championship was set: the Albuquerque Storm would take on undefeated San Felipe. After 70 minutes of end to end play, the Albuquerque Storm emerged victorious, four to three.

The U-14 boys’ tournament provided some high scores and great games. In the 3rd place game, San Felipe scored seven goals, but it was not enough to beat Team Northwest Territories who put 10 into the back of the net and claimed bronze. Team Alberta matched up with Taos in the finals. The team from Saddle Lake played a tight game, but the green jerseys of undefeated Taos took home the gold medals in a three to zero win.

The U-16 girls competed in an amazing set of games that sent everyone home exhausted, having given it there all during the week. Team Alberta arrived with a short-handed squad, but the young ladies’ effort, courage, and heart carried them through the tournament. Team New Mexico 2 earned a bye to finals by defeating Team Alberta and Team New Mexico both twice. Team New Mexico 1 beat Team Albert, matching up the New Mexico teams for the third time. In the championship game, the teams traded goals and the lead switched hands multiple times. When the final whistle blew, Team New Mexico 1 found themselves in the lead, five to four, and champions of the ISC.

In pool play, the four U-16 boys’ teams posted a remarkable 71 goals in six games. In the semifinals, the two New Mexico teams, Albuquerque and the Gallup Storm, faced each other while the two Canadian teams, Team Northwest Territories and Team Alberta, matched up. The Gallup Storm and Team NWT advanced for an international final. Team NWT’s offensive power could not be matched, scoring five goals in the Championship to Gallup’s one. Team NWT’s incredible play earned them ISC gold and an undefeated return home.

With a late withdrawal from Team Alberta, Team New Mexico and Team Northwest Territories were left to compete in the U-19 girls’ bracket. The ISC council brought in local players to play in friendly matches for both teams throughout the week. The two all star teams played in a series of intense games, and when it was time for the championship, a sporting rivalry had developed. A star studded Team New Mexico held off Team Northwest Territories to win gold.

The U-19 boys’ bracket was loaded with talent and unforgettable matches. In the rounds of pool play, teams exchanging victories in physical, intense match-ups. Team Navajo, based in Window Rock, Arizona, played a tough semifinal, but Northwest Territories won, advancing to the finals. The championship pitted the reigning North American Indigenous Games champions against an all star team from Albuquerque. During the end-to-end action and incredible play, both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while many close calls could have easily changed the result. With the ball only finding the net once during the game, Team Albuquerque claimed gold, one to zero, in a classic ISC match-up.

Southwest Youth Services, the host organization of the ISC, would like to thank all of the players, coaches, and volunteers for their effort, sacrifices, and an unforgettable week.

The ISC, however, would not have been possible without a number of collaborating Native American & New Mexico organizations. Supporters include UNM American Indian Student Services, UNM Men’s Soccer, UNM Research Service Learning Program, New Mexico Youth Soccer Association, The Native American Sports Council, The Corporation for National & Community Service, (AmeriCorps VISTA), The Native American Community Academy, and Notah’s Vision Foundation. As well, several tribal communities also sponsored teams or made financial contributions, including the Pueblos of Taos, San Felipe and Sandia.

Foundational support came from the Daniels Fund, New Mexico Community Foundation, McCune Foundation, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways Foundation, and United States Youth Soccer Association Foundation.