2014 FIFA World Cup Rosters Include Notable Number of Dallas Cup Alumni
Ever wonder how the pros got to where they are today? Imagine flashing back to years past and seeing Clint Dempsey, Mexico’s Javier Hernandez or England’s Wayne Rooney competing as a youth soccer player. Well, those three soccer stars played at the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup when they were young.
The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, the most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, has identified 38 Dallas Cup alumni that have been named to the 23-man rosters of the 32 participating teams in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The impressive number signifies that Dallas Cup alumni will make up more than 5% of the total player pool in the 2014 World Cup. These players will represent 10 of the 32 countries competing in the world’s most popular sporting event.
2014 FIFA WORLD CUP – U.S. ROSTER OF PLAYERS WHO COMPETED AT DALLAS CUP:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
DEFENDERS (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy),
MIDFIELDERS (8): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo),
FORWARDS (4): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC)
Numerous alumni in the Dallas Cup’s 35-year history have gone on to have successful soccer careers on the international stage, including legends David Beckham of England, Spain’s Raul, and Landon Donovan of the United States. In all, Dallas Cup alumni have played in over 350 FIFA World Cup matches, and have scored over 30 goals in the sport’s most important tournament. In 2014, USA captain Clint Dempsey, Mexico’s Javier Hernandez, England’s Wayne Rooney, and Brazil’s Maicon are among the 38 Dallas Cup alumni that will be representing their countries in the World Cup.
About Dr Pepper Dallas Cup: Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is the most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States. Dallas Cup consists of eight age groups from U13 to U19 and entertains on average more than 100,000 spectators during the week. Since its inception in 1980, Dallas Cup has hosted teams and referees from across 47 states, six continents and more than 100 countries. Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXVI will take place March 29 through April 5, 2015. Follow Dallas Cup on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.
