The 35th Nations Cup of soccer is upon us once again, with the best adult, amateur players from across Western Canada and Washington State pulling on the colours of the country of their birth or heritage this weekend in all age groups from men’s open to the over-52s.
An unbeaten India side romped to victory in the main event last year, but this time around, a potential monkey wrench could be thrown into the works in the shape of Nations Cup debutants USA.
The Washington State team has, according to Nations Cup president Jeff Wilson, been trying for a couple of years to get into the tournament, but was hampered by the necessity to travel north for the qualifying rounds.
This year, they made the trip and won through the qualifying stages, finishing with a convincing 7-1 rout of Turkey in the final game.
“They looked very organized and looked very smart with their full USA gear on,” said Wilson.
“They’re very excited about taking part and it’s great to have a team in the (men’s) open section that nobody really knows too much about.”
There’s also a USA women’s team competing for the first time as well, added Wilson, which he said will give the women’s dominant forces of Ireland and Canada something to think about this weekend.
Also added to this year’s tournament, which is headquartered at the Hugh Boyd sports complex on No. 1 and Francis roads, are Friday night games for the expanded men’s over-30s and over-38s sections.
“We’ve allowed more teams into those groups, prompting us to schedule games on a Friday night, with two games on Saturday and just the semi-finals and final on the Sunday,” explained Wilson.
Three group winners and the best second placed team from those ages will advance to the semi-finals on Sunday.
“It’s a new wild card chance and will serve to keep teams interested even if they lose their first game.
“Often, if you lose your first game, the chances of you qualifying are pretty slim.”
The Nations Cup kicks off Friday evening at Hugh Boyd and continues all weekend at the complex — as well as at Minoru Oval and Manoah Steves fields — culminating with the men’s open final at 6 p.m.
Go to thenationscup.com for the full schedule.
