Thaddeus Liquori, of Westfield, displays the national championship trophy that he and his Western Mass PIoneers’ boys’ soccer teammates captured by winning the 2017 US Club Super Group U13 this past week in Westfield, Indiana, the first time a team from the area advanced this far. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – The Western United Pioneer boys’ soccer team won the 2017 US Club Super Group U13 National Cup Championship Monday in Westfield, Indiana, and got a little help along the way from a Westfield (Mass.) kid.
Western United, based out of Ludlow (Mass.) and in existence since the 1980s defeated Sockers from Chicago, Ill., 2-1, in the finals. They earned a trip to the National Cup Championship by the winning the state Cup after going unbeaten at 10-0 in the National Premier League.
2017 US CLUB SUPER GROUP U13 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Western United Pioneers
Thaddeus Liquori, of Westfield paved the way for Western United in tournament play over the course of the week by scoring a team-leading (tied with another) five goals to go with three assists.
“It took a lot of focus, team chemistry, some very talented individuals, and great depth,” Western United coach Jij Mercer said.
It was the first time a team from Western Massachusetts advanced this far, and likely would not have happened if not for Western United’s narrow early round 1-0 win over top-ranked Real FC (N.J.).
Western United is comprised of players from Agawam, Longmeadow, Monson, Brimfield, Southampton, Ludlow, West Springfield, and Dalton.
