HCU in 2008
Tampa club looks to rebound, expecting to compete for Super-20 title
 Monday, April 7
TAMPA, FL – H.C. United struggled in the southeast division in 2007, failing to qualify any teams for the Super Y-League North American Finals but despite their adversity from a season ago, the Tampa based club is poised to refocus their efforts heading into the 2008 season. HCU’s goal in 2008 – qualify multiple teams as it did in 2005 and 2006.
“H.C. United is excited to be a part of the 2008 Super Y-League season,” said H.C. United General Manager, Eric Sims. “The competition the league provides is second to none and that will improve the overall product we as an organization continue to develop on the field.”
Initially, last season looked promising as 2006 was the most fruitful Super Y-League season in HCU history. The club qualified teams in five of the ten available age divisions for the Super Y-League North American Finals, winning the U17 Championship and finishing second in North America behind the Cal Odyssey in the U13 boys division.
This season, H.C. United will look to match that effort, fielding teams in the boys U13, U14, U15 and U16 age divisions. The club will also field a Super-20 Men’s team.
Many of the club’s high expectations rest on the shoulders of the Super-20 Men. The team is comprised of many members of the team that hoisted the North American Finals trophy two years ago at the U17 level. Players returning include 2006 U17 North American Finals MVP Ben Foerstner, USF’s Fernando Gonzalez, Gulf Coast University’s Arjun Jani and Maryland’s Jeremy Hall. The U16, U15, U14, and U13 boys all look very strong as well, and could all contend for a spot in the 2008 Finals.
“The coaching staff we are assembling for the 2008 season will be solid from top to bottom,” said Sims. “We are confident our players will continue to progress in a positive manner on and off the field.”
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Sims has two Super Y-League North American Championships under his belt – the 2005 U19 boys and 2006 U17 boys. He will serve as Head Coach for the U15 boys and Super-20 Men in 2008.
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