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2009 Copa Victoria Tournament
The Columbus Crew is set to host its seventh annual Copa Victoria adult Hispanic-league soccer tournament, thanks to the support of State Farm, Budweiser and adidas. The 24-team, single-elimination tournament will begin on Saturday, May 30, at the Crew Training Center at Obetz and ultimately conclude with the championship game - to be played under the lights at Crew Stadium - after the Crew's match vs. FC Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The two band a half month tournament officially kicked off last Sunday, May 24, as the Crew and representatives from the participating leagues held the official Copa Victoria Tournament Draw Party in the Stadium Club at Crew Stadium. Over 250 team managers and players were on hand to attend the unveiling of the tournament bracket and were later treated to a salsa party, which included dinner and other festivities.
"Columbus Crew has always gone the extra mile for our community with this event, but this year, with all the new changes, our teams are even more excited to participate and put on a good show," said Jorge Ponce, President of Latinos Unidos.
| Download the Bracket • June 1: English | Spanish • June 8: English | Spanish • June 27: English | Spanish |
Twenty-four teams from five different "ligas," or leagues, will participate in this year's tournament. The five leagues include: Interlatinos, Goalden Soccer League, Ohio Hispanic Adult Soccer Association, Columbus Soccer League and Latinos Unidos. For the first time in tournament history, the Crew will also present the Copa Victoria Feminine, which will feature four local women's teams: Las Chilangas, El Taco-Nazo, La Maquina and Deportivo Control.
Tournament match days are scheduled for May 30, June 6, June 20, July 11, July 18, August 1 at the Crew Training Center at Obetz (4153 Alum Creek Drive). All of those matches are free and open to the public.
"This year, we tried to implement new ideas to create a larger impact in our Hispanic community, including the enhanced Draw Party and creating the first-ever Copa Victoria for women," said Crew Director of Hispanic Development, Francisco Terreros. "Our goal with Copa Victoria, and everything we do in our department, is to encourage all of these Hispanic soccer fans to become Columbus Crew fans and I think we are making great progress."
2008 Copa Victoria Champion CD Aguila
The 24 teams participating in the 2009 Copa Victoria Tournament include: 2008 Copa Victoria Champion CD Aguila, Monarcas, Los Rayos, Panteras, San Antonio, Argentina, San Salvador-Brasil, Lokos, La Maquina, Lazio, Liverpool, Cruz Azul, Juventud Alegre, Imperial, Independiente, Chalatenango, Metapan, Palermo, Valedores, Congoles, El Tapatio, Honduras FC, Comayagua and Manchester United.
