Special to the NEWS
ORLANDO, FLA.—Over the Memorial Day weekend, a group of talented young soccer players from San Benito showcased their skills on one of youth sports’ biggest stages, competing in the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
Representing Hurricanes FC Academy of Brownsville under the direction of academy director Jesus Peña and coaches Ignacio Villarreal and Johnny Garza, the team includes several original members of the Lil Lady ’Hounds FC program from San Benito.
The girls proudly represented both their club and their community while competing against top teams from across the country.
The roster includes student-athletes from several San Benito CISD elementary schools, such as ED Downs Fine Arts Academy, Dr. Cash Elementary, Sullivan Environmental Science Academy, and La Paloma Elementary.
The Hurricanes put together an impressive tournament run, advancing through a challenging group stage that featured teams from the U.S. Virgin Islands and several highly competitive Florida clubs.
Their strong performances earned the young athletes a spot in the championship match, which was broadcast on ESPN+ from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Although the Hurricanes fell in the championship game, the team finished as tournament finalists, earning runner-up medals and showcasing the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes from the Rio Grande Valley.
Team members include: Ava Garza, Aubrey Gonzales, Emma Garcia, Catalina Andrade, Emily Garcia, Adrialys Cardenas, Mackenzie Tijerina, Adalyn Gonzalez, and Emma Salinas.