Brooklyn United wins two divisions at Liga Mexicana youth championships
Bush Terminal Park was filled with families and friends last Sunday for the Liga Mexicana Youth Division Championship. Portable shade tents lined the sidelines, with food, drinks, and plenty of cheering and arguing over calls. Supporters came not only from Sunset Park but from across Brooklyn and beyond, turning the day into a community outing.
Brooklyn United came out on top in both the U-9 and U-11 divisions. Inter United took U-13, Sethlow claimed U-15, and Brooklyn Elites won U-17.
Many of the players described the opposing teams as tough, even if the outcomes were often not in doubt.
“They were good, they did get through us sometimes,” said Adrián, who helped Brooklyn United to a 5–0 win. “But we had to do what we had to do, not let them through or at least kick the ball out.”
Sethlow also boasted a clean sheet, goalkeeper Brayant attributing the result to teamwork.
“I couldn’t do it without my team,” Brayant said. “I trust my team a lot and that’s what makes a goalkeeper pretty good.”
Gladys Espinosa, Sunset Park resident and coach of Sunset United, who earned a second place trophy, said her players’ effort showed.
“For them, winning today means everything,” said Espinosa. “They worked hard in practice, they fought to get here.”
Brooklyn United, which plays across Brooklyn and has medaled in several leagues, added another highlight to its record.
Julio Cantor, a parishioner at St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst and grandfather to several Brooklyn United players, said the day was about much more than soccer.
“We come to celebrate the kids’ play. Everyone has food, something to share. We’re together like one family. I feel proud because these kids are the future of our country, so we have to support them,” said Cantor.
Jeanette, a player in Brooklyn United’s adult division, also described the successful franchise as an extended family. Her daughter plays defense for the U-9 team under Coach Eric.
“I’m so happy. She has another medal that she takes,” Jeanette said. “I appreciated the coach and I’m glad he encouraged my daughter to join the team.”
Irving Vaquero, grandparent of players in the league, said that while basketball has always been his game, he’s gone all in on soccer since that’s the sport his grandchildren chose.
“This is everything for me,” said Vaquero.
Inter USA coach Geovani was overjoyed by his team’s 5–2 victory, but ultimately attributed the win to the fundamentals.
“The boys did the job they had to do,” said Geovani. “Everything turned out the way we planned and with a good result.”
His son, who plays left back for the team and is also named Geovani, had one thing to say before running off for celebratory pizza: “We’re champions!”