Congratulations! 3 local soccer players are part of historic victory at international tournament

This afternoon, when Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School face off in a boys-varsity soccer match at Southwest Athletic Complex (4 pm), keep an extra eye on three players who just scored big at a prestigious international tournament.

Amanda e-mailed us to let us know about what those three – WSHS goalkeeper Akili Kasim and Sealth players Abel Kidane and Miguel Macias Garibay – accomplished with their premier soccer team Seattle United 98 Copa at the country’s biggest youth-soccer tournament last week:

The team won its division (U-16) at the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, going undefeated all week – the first team from Washington state to win any division at the invitation-only tournament.

We connected with Akili’s mom Nikki to find out more. She shared photos and explained that the Dallas Cup draws “the best teams from across the world, most of them being Academy teams, which Copa isn’t. … When they left, Akili made a promise to his West Seattle soccer team and his classmates, ‘I’m bringing the boot home to Seattle.’ With that, Akili, Miguel, and Abel played outstandingly. I received texts all week about players and here are what some said about these 3:

… Miguel with a beautiful goal, Miguel gets another, Miguel is on fire
… Abel’s footwork is like a pro today, Abel with the best assist yet,
… Akili with a Spider-Man like save, Akili with another amazing save

A short summary of the final division-title game is on the tournament’s website (scroll down to U-16). It was a 2-0 victory over another team from this state – Eastside-based Crossfire

6 Replies to "Congratulations! 3 local soccer players are part of historic victory at international tournament"

  • Enviromaven April 7, 2015 (9:50 am)

    Congratulations to these talented young men…bravo! You don’t get that good at anything without dedication, commitment, and a whole lot of heart :)

  • Blinkyjoe April 7, 2015 (11:54 am)

    Awesome! How do we get the seattle times and king 5 to pick this up?

  • Dave April 7, 2015 (12:26 pm)

    Wow! Congratulations to those kids, the Dallas Cup is a huge international youth tournament that draws a lot of coaches and scouts from all over the world.

  • ws sue April 7, 2015 (1:29 pm)

    Congrats guys! Way to represent!

  • Tom Agosti April 7, 2015 (2:05 pm)

    Akili, Abel, and Miguel are not only fine soccer players, but fine young gentlemen as I found out as one of the parents on this trip.
    One of the drawbacks of the tournament was the strict substitution rules, which severely limited the coaches flexibility with playing time. Yet each of these players waited their turn, without complaint, for their moment to shine.
    And did they ever – Akili’s lightning quick saves and calming presence; Miguel’s technical skills and dangerous free kicks; and Abel’s instant infusion of energy, which never failed to raise the level of play of his teammates.
    Great Job Guys!

  • A.J April 10, 2015 (11:41 am)

    Thank You West Seattle Blog for posting this story. My Son is a big soccer fan, so we have seen all three of these young men play.

    Congratulations to all three of you and your team mates. I have seen Copa play a few times and they are one great team. I was lucky to watch the state game, that they Won the state title down at starfire.

    Abel you pass so well and you use your skills perfect. I love watching you move your way around the field with so much energy, all while staying so calm.

    Miguel You have some crazy skills, the way you can score from the most insane areas of the field and Your free kicks are speechless.

    Akili you have the most insane hands I’ve every seen in youth soccer along with the way you fly in the air is nuts. Akili thank you for how you carry yourself on and off the field my son watches you all the time up at Walt Huntley, You are a great role model. Thank You

    I wish Copa all best and we will continue to follow all three of you young men.

    AJ and son

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