The Arlington Pride traveled to Hjorring, Denmark to compete in the 2007 Dana Cup. The tournament was held from July 23-28. In its 26th year, the Dana Cup hosts 850 teams from 40 nations. The Pride is one of 5 girl’s teams from the USA in this year’s tournament. The girls played against teams from Norway, Sweden, and Finland to reach the championship match .

The Pride won their opening group with a win and two ties, while surrendering no goals. In the knockout round the Pride won three more matches without conceding a goal, and advanced to the tournament final with semifinal thriller that was decided  by kicks from the penalty spot.

The Pride Celebrates their Semifinal Penalty Shootout Victory

In the championship match they played LdB Malmo FC, a Swedish Womens Professional Soccer club. While the loss in the finals spoiled the Pride’s unbeaten record, it did nothing to diminish their accomplishments during the rest of the event. The Pride represented ATSC in fine style. Congratulations to all the players and to the Pride’s coach Tom Torres. Well done girls!

In early 2006 the team began plans for a European soccer trip. They selected the Dana Cup because of its successful record of hosting boys and girls youth teams in an Olympic style competition. Over the last 18 months the team worked on several fundraising events to help pay for the trip. The Pride girls (aka,TFL) were excited to represent Arlington in the tournament, and its goal was to advance into the elimination round. They accomplished this and much more. From the opening ceremonies and parade of teams to the final whistle the trip was a great experience.

The Pride Show off their National (and Club!) Colors

Pride 2007 Dana Cup Result Summary:

• 7/24 - Pride vs. Mandalskamer (NOR) 0-0
• 7/25 - Pride vs. Ljusdals IF (SWE) 4-0
• 7/25 - Pride vs. Ovrevoll BK (NOR) 0-0
• 7/25 - Group 1 Winner advances to Bracket A Finals
• 7/26 - Pride vs. Frovi IK (SWE) 7-0
• 7/26 - Pride vs. Lotorps IF (SWE) 4-0
• 7/27 - Quarter-Final: Pride vs. Borg IF (NOR) 1-0
• 7/27 - Semi-Final: Pride vs. Tikkurilan P. (FIN) 4-3 (penalties)
• 7/28 - Final: Arlington Pride vs. LdB FC Malmo (SWE) 1-5

Images from the Tournament:

Opening Day Team’s Parade 1,(image 52 & 53), 7/25 Match photos (images 33-37)