The American Dream – NorCal Premier PDP wins the 2017 Gothia Cup!

NorCal Premier PDP wins Gothia Cup by beating IF Limhamn/Bunkeflo in the final with 3-0. They won the special division called the Tipselit Trophy for U17 girls teams. This division is by invite only and is the most competitive girls category of the Gothia Cup.

Here is a game report from the Gothia Cup: It was NorCal PDP from USA who faced LB07 from Sweden. It was not a question about where the trophy were heading. The girls from “Cali” controlled the game from first to last minute and won 3–0. NorCal PDP from USA faced LB07 in the Girls 17 (Tipselit) final and it was the Americans who started best. With a lot of possession and high pace they controlled the game as they wanted. It was also the Americans who was going to opens the score. Lily Neda Arbabaraghi scored in the 17th minute after a beautiful assist from Aurrora Ellis Yarnell- Williams. NorCal kept pressure on LB07 and minutes before half time Ava Sophia McCray extended NorCals lead after a set piece. It felt like the Americans lead was held in a iron grip.

In the second half LB07 started to, first, to reduce the Americans lead and then equalize it. But Nor Cal were strong and compact. With eight minutes to go, NorCal extended their lead and game was all over. 3–0 was a big gap for LB07 to come back from. With five goals scored in the quarter final, three goals in the semi-final and three goals scored in the final, Nor Cal Soccer Academy showed strength and attacking skills that made themselves a winner. The girls from California could, with the honor, name themselves champions of Gothia Cup 2017. “It feels amazing, I have never felt this happy before, its crazy. It’s crazy how we came from different teams and how well we played together after a few training sessions”, Lily Neda Arbabaraghi says. ” We connect well. Its crazy to play in another country and coming to Sweden for the first time. The whole team came out so strong today and Im so happy now. It has been a fun experience”, says a happy Lily.

After the tour David Robertson – NorCal Premier PDP Coach – stated: Premier International tours played a pivotal role in our success at the recent Gothia Cup . Having selected a PDP team of players from all over Northern California , there were a number of moving pieces in terms of roster changes , subsequent airlines changes, etc. Premier international tours quickly and professionally accommodated EVERY request . Their attention detail was exceptional, everything from ground transportation, accommodation , check in , rosters. Etc. was proactively taken care of meaning that our staff could remain focused on coaching the players, without having to worry about the "off field stuff". It was a pleasure to work with premier international tours and we give them our utmost recommend and endorsement .

David Robertson – NorCal Premier PDP & Coach Education