7 Jamaicans are experiencing the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup 2016, playing alongside RUSH Canada Academy, while being coached by HVFC international Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler & managed by our own Clyde Jureidini. Daily updates about their games and excursions will be added to this article as the course of the trip goes on.
Dallas Cup Game 1: RUSH vs Dallas FC
In our first official opening game of the tournament, RUSH Academy lost 0 – 1 after conceding a header 2 minutes from time.
Dallas dominated the first half, but RUSH returned more purposeful to dominate the second. Before scoring, Dallas FC missed a close opportunity knocking the crossbar before converting the winner.
The RUSH squad left the game obviously disappointed. They soon after prepared to attend the tournament’s opening ceremony later that afternoon.
Dallas Cup Game 2: RUSH vs Chicago Magic
RUSH Academy dominated the first half with sharp passing, attacking play, and quick tackles to back the ball. Good runs at goal twice were blocked inside the area by retreating defenders, as striker Kelijah Morgan dribbled but didn’t shoot. Kelijah’s third advance ends with another good effort, as his shot on goal as tipped wide for a corner.
Chicago Magic scored a header at the far post the minute before halftime to make it 0 – 1.
Against the run of play, Chicago scored again in the fifth minute after resumption as our central defender was pushed over the goalkeeper and the forward left to tap into an empty net; Referee signaled goal, 0 – 2. RUSH kept going forward to try to convert but failed.
A very impressive display of team understanding, coordination, and attack reduced of finishing; More importantly, lessons of the international game to be learned. The youngsters made an impression on many coaches, academies and colleges watching to enquire the origins of the players.
Magic’s coach shared his respects with our team as we prepared for our final group game after Tuesday’s rest.
Dallas Cup Day 3: Rest
Today was our rest day, and the group enjoyed a well-deserved break.
A late breakfast call was enjoyed, as the hungry squad moved large plates of foods and fruits. The 10 a.m. call was for two 15-seat vans in the parking lot of the Wyndham Hotel, with destination Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus for a guided one-hour tour along with one of the four RUSH Academies, RUSH California.
The well-kept campus decorated with clean, spotless buildings adorned with red bricks and modern architecture was a driving motivation to all. Visiting the fraternity houses, library, two state-of-the-art football fields as good as Jamaica’s national stadium, and various faculties inspired the boys to dream big of their future; Many of our players will be qualified and seeking scholarships at this or similar educational institutions in another four to five years. Pictures, videos and memories will last a lifetime as proud parents spoke softly to their children in awe.
Midday lunchtime was scheduled for Popeye’s where a full meal was enjoyed by every one, but not spinach (toot toot!). Smiles broke out in the vans on the way back to the hotel where swimming in the pool, mixed heavily with ramping, unfolded up until dinnertime at 8 p.m.
A full day was had as all-in-one burgers and pizzas were consumed for the evening’s meal before retiring to bed by 10 p.m. in anticipation of tomorrow’s final group game.
Dallas Cup Day 4: RUSH vs Golden State
We lost 0 – 2 after conceding two goals in the second half as we fought against the heavy breeze and failed to score with it.
Seven shots on goal all proved fruitless, as a stronger effort against the elements was needed.
Eliminated from the tournament, that all these players are experiencing for the very first time, without being outplayed in any game is a compliment to their talent and a motivation to rapidly improve all aspects of their game.
More admiration from watching coaches was received as our technical team drilled the basic essentials of application under pressure to prioritize.
Four of the five goals against us during the tournament were conceded in the second half against the heavy wind. Firmer, clearer and better decisions were required under pressure at the moments of high intensity.
Source: RUSH Jamaica Official Website