San Diego Sockers win COOP Beach Soccer Championships at Oceanside, Calif.
The San Diego Sockers held off the U.S. Nationals team today to win the men's title game of the COOP Beach Soccer Championship by a score of 4 to 3. The match culminated three days of pool play for the eight professional squads among the more than 300 teams that played on the sand at Oceanside Harbor beach this weekend.
The Sockers scored first and maintained the lead throughout the game, but the Nationals drew within one in the waning minutes and challenged again and again before time finally ran out. Sockers' goalie Chris Toth had numerous saves during the physical competition. Toth's efforts secured the win and earned him the event's Golden Glove award for top goalkeeper at this year's event. Also on the San Diego team was the event's MVP, Ze Roberto.
The Florida Beach Soccer team won the consolation match, defeating the team from Portugal. Florida's Oscar Gil received the Golden Toe award for his scoring accomplishments during the tournament.
The Long Beach version of the COOP Beach Soccer Championships is scheduled for June 4 - 5. The winner of it, along with the San Diego Sockers, will be considered legitimate contenders to win beach soccer's U.S. Open in Virginia Beach, Va., to be held June 10 - 12.
More than 30,000 people attended the Oceanside beach soccer activities over the weekend, an event that is reported to have a $2 million economic impact on the area.
Beach soccer is said to be the world's fastest growing sport. Youth teams from all across the country for girls and boys divisions make up most of the entries at Oceanside, but the pro division continues to grow in stature and popularity. The team from Japan said the journey from their homeland was an important trip for them to make in the spirit of brotherhood shown their country in the wake of the earthquake devastation. They and the Portugal team said they hope to return again to compete at next year's COOP Beach Soccer Championships.
For more information about the Beach Soccer Championships, visit www.BeachSoccerUSA.org. For more information about COOP, visit www.coop-sports.com.
