MANCHESTER UNITED FC Boys U-9 Team DBWV/Manchester United FC is proud to welcome the newest member of its soccer family with the formation of a new U-9 Boys team. Lead by Coach Susano Lopez, this group of scrappy young boys, who have been together for only 3 months, entered its first official competition by competing in the ASC California Cup, held in Anaheim over the August 8th weekend. While the boys didn’t walk away with a win, the boys showed considerable heart and a feisty attitude as they battled on the pitch. Clad in their practice t-shirts with numbers printed on their backs until their official uniforms arrive, symbolizing the newness of the team, the boys fought hard, never giving up, despite the odds of going up against teams that have played together longer. Coach Susano, who has a reputation for developing young players into champion caliber teams, was optimistic following the games, giving the boys words of praise and encouragement for their efforts. Pointing out that it is simply a matter of time until the boys begin to realize their potential, he noted their individual strengths and achievements, and is laying out a plan to develop the team’s chemistry as they learn to work with each other on the field. In the interest of building a solidly competitive team, Coach Susano was dissuaded from replacing an injured player with a strong substitute simply to win a tournament. He chose to support his core team, but noted that the team is open to adding one or two skilled players who can make the long-term commitment to enhance this core group of kids. The team will be participating in an indoor soccer league, to enhance their speed and ability to work together, in preparation for official league play.