Soccerette Tour

In 2009, the UPFC, in association with the Soccerette Academy, traveled to Chicago for two weeks to play some of the best young teams in America. The tour started off with a two week long fitness camp to get the team ready for the physical strain of training and playing in the heat of the States in summer time.

A ‘Camp Man’ award was set at the start of camp for the player who attended all sessions and performed at the highest level throughout the two weeks. The winner would be guaranteed to play every minute of every game in Chicago. The award went to two players, Richard Maltby and Matt Barker who both attended every session and performed to a very high level each time.

With the 16 man squad fit and ready, we embarked on what would be a memorable tour in Chicago. Head Coach Tom Lloyd has a little surprise for the team on arrival at Chicago airport to get the tour off to the best possible start and get the team buzzing, by having the team picked up from the airport in a stretch Hummer limo. With the music high and LIGHT beers flowing the team were in good spirits for the two weeks ahead.

The first night out was a casual one as jet lag kicked in so a quick look around followed by an early night was the decision. Due to the main point of contact at the UIC leaving his job and leaving us with out a place to train, re-arrangements were made meaning the first three days were left for sight seeing and free team allowing the players to relax and take in the city atmosphere and beach scene.

The 1st game was against Sockers FC, a side rated in the top 5 in the country. We arrived at the ground early for a mid morning training session before the game. The training session and game took place on one of the five 3G pitches at the facility. UPFC started the game brightly keeping possession well and creating a few chances but it was Sockers who took the lead with a nice passing move finished of with a cool finish. We equalised not long after when a corner was headed clear to the edge of the box only to be met full on the volley by James Lawrence left foot which sent the ball fizzing past the keeper into the top corner, leading to James sprinting off kissing the badge in celebration!

UPFC continued to dominate the game creating good chances but both James Potton and Andy Younie were denied by good saves from the Sockers keeper. We continued to push forwards looking for the victory that we felt was deserved, but with pushing forward we left ourselves open at the back and with the Sockers’ ability to pass the ball, they created another opening and took a 2-1 lead. In the final stages of the game we piled forward in search of the equaliser, and with minutes left Sockers scored another 2 goals to finish the game 4-1 victors.

Due to other games being cancelled this was the only warm up game able to be played before the two day Schwaben Tournament.
The first game of the tournament pitted UPFC against Highlanders. We started fast and flew into a 3-0 lead with goals from Chris Tyas, James Potton and Andy Younie. With a comfortable half time lead we relaxed in the second half and allowed Highlanders back into the game and with two quick fire goals to make the score 3-2. Some great goalkeeping from Elliot Ransom kept the lead for UPFC who ran out eventual winners.

ELI Elite (national champions) provided the next test for the UPFC, and there was a buzz at the venue with the team from England playing the national champions. The game was full of quality possession from both teams, with limited chances, great performances from Keiron Lewis and Ryan Duffy at the heart of defence and Richard Maltby and Max Gray at full back meant the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

In the final group game we were matched against a local side; Chicago Wind. Needing a win to progress to the next day, and the quarter finals, the UPFC needed a good performance. Two great strikes from Jordan Greaves and James Potton after half time gave us the comfortable 2-0 win we needed.

Into the quarter finals on day two and the UPFC were drawn against the host club and tournament favorites Schwaben FC. On the main pitch with a capacity crowd expecting a good game they were not disappointed. Fast flowing football from both teams created an action packed game but neither team could take the chances created. Midway though the second half disaster struck when a wayward shot from the opposition struck the unlucky Ryan Duffy on the back of the head deflecting the ball past the helpless Rob McClelland in goal. This gave the hosts the 1-0 victory and progression into the semi finals leaving us with thoughts of what could have been.

On the penultimate day of the tour the boys had the chance to play Chicago Fire’s U20 academy side. With heavy legs from the tournament the UPFC started slow allowing the Fire to take a quick two goal lead. But with the ever increasing confidence and realisation that we were the better side, we pulled a goal back before half time through Chris Tyas . After some strong words during the interval, the lads came out for the second half strong and determined and soon pulled level with James Potton hitting the target. The goal seemed to take the wind out of the Fire’s sails and the UPFC dominated the rest of the game and Andy Younie, Chris Tyas and Matt Barker all scored and made the final score 5-2 and a great way to finish the tour.

The University of Portsmouth Football Club did themselves proud on tour in Chicago with great on pitch performances as well as the players conduct off the pitch. There were many stand out performances throughout with Ryan Duffy taking the plaudits being voted Player of Tour for his top quality performances. Rob McClelland was voted Man of Tour for his off pitch antics.

Overall the tour was a huge success and we look forward to taking more players next year to represent the club and hopefully bring back the trophy we felt unlucky not to win!

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The club would like to thank all those that excellently represented the UPFC in Chicago. We would also like to thank Portsmouth Football Club for donating playing kits for the players. Finally a huge thankyou to Tom Lloyd and Lee Moyce for working so hard to organise the tour and providing the boys that went an experience of a life-time.