ELITE U17 BOYS TEAM CONQUERS HELSINKI CUP

BY SUZIE WELLS

At the historic Vierumaki Sports Resort in the suburbs of Helsinki, Finland on July 7th, a remarkable soccer story unfolded with upstate NY ties. Sixteen talented soccer players hailing from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Idaho, Illinois, and the Dominican Republic formed the Northeast Rush Elite U17 Boys Team. eir mission: to represent the United States in the world’s largest youth soccer tournament, the Helsinki Cup, where over 1,700 teams from around the globe competed at various age levels.

e team faced a daunting challenge from the start. Just three weeks before the tournament, they recruited Coach Chris Horteales from Chicago to bring the diverse players together and create a cohesive unit. With only days to prepare, the pressure was on to see what this newly formed team could achieve.

Among the talented players was Carson Hamann, a versatile goalkeeper from Victor, and Tyler Koehne, a defender from Syracuse, both of whom played for the Syracuse Rush soccer organization on a Select team this season. Carson’s soccer journey began at the Rochester Sports Garden soccer tot program when he was veyearsold.Asyearspassed,hetransitionedfromrecreational to travel leagues and eventually to premier teams, culminating in this, his third season with Rush.

CarsonhasbeenVictor’sVarsitygoalkeepersince9thgrade.Last year, he made a crucial last-minute save in a penalty shootout that propelled his Rush team to advance in the State cup. Todd, Carson’s proud father, shared, “It certainly is exciting and nerve-wracking to be a goalkeeper’s parent. Goalkeepers are the last line of defense and o en the rst line of attack a er kicko .” e Helsinki Cup o ered more than just erce competition. For the Northeast Rush Elite U17 Boys Team, Horteales and Hamann attest that it was an unforgettable experience of camaraderie, cultural exchange, and personal growth. e players and their families cherished the opportunity to compete against teams from diverse playing philosophies, and they embraced the challenges with a determined mindset. As they return home with the prestigious victory, the Northeast Rush team serves as an inspiration to all aspiring players, proving that with trust in one another and unwavering determination, anything is possible on the global soccer stage.

Beyond his goalkeeping skills, Carson’s experience in the position has granted him a strong sense of the eld and positioning. Onhislocaltravelteam,hedoesn’thesitatetocontributeo ensively, preferring the roles of striker and center defense, though his dad jokes about Carson having goalkeeper lungs.

WhenaskedabouttheHelsinkiCupexperience,Carsonrevealed that the team was initially nervous about competing against the predictedly tough South American teams. However, doubts were quickly dispelled as the teammates clicked and worked together as a united force. eir chemistry on the eld impressed other teams andspectators,withmanyassumingtheywereayouthproacademy team that had played together for years.

NortheastRushEliteU17Boysblazedthroughtheinitialrounds, going undefeated in Bracket A, with ve wins in ve matches, including three come-from-behind victories. is earned them a spot in the Elite BU17 quarter nals, where competition intensi ed. roughout the tournament, goalkeepers Jackson Gill and Carson Hamann split matches equally, each showcasing their skills on the eld. However, Coach Horteales made the tough call to entrust Carson Hamann with the Championship game goalkeeping duties.

With relentless determination, the Northeast Rush took the lead with a goal, holding onto their slim advantage until hal ime. However, the game took a dramatic turn as Iceland scored a late header, leveling the score at 1-1 and pushing the game into a shootout.

Hamann blocked two Iceland shots, demonstrating remarkable skill and nerve under pressure. e shootout extended to a second round, where once again, Carson’s goalkeeping shone, blocking Iceland’s h shot. en, Northeast Rush’s h shot sealed their victory.

Asagoalkeeper,Carsonappreciatedhisvantagepointintheback, allowing him to observe and direct his team. He loved witnessing their uid teamwork, the hallmark of their successful journey. Looking ahead, Carson prioritizes education while keeping his passion for soccer close to his heart. With aspirations to play soccer in college, he intends to stay committed to the sport throughout life.

For players aspiring to represent their nations on the global stage, Horteales shares valuable advice: Mental preparation is key, as the challenges faced in international tournaments can be overwhelming. e team’s determination and unyielding spirit set them apart from their opponents, he adds.

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