The team, made up of players from the GPS affiliates across the US competed against some of the top names in word soccer, suffering only one defeat in regulation time which was against the eventual champions - Right to Dream Academy from Ghana.
Coach Graham Munro and his team traveled to Northern Ireland on July 22nd, arriving in the province the following day. The team got some early training sessions in together before two scrimmage matches against Northern Ireland U14s (5-1 win) and Zapatec of Mexico (4-0 win).
Following the Milk Cup opening ceremony held at Coleraine Showgrounds, GPS opened their campaign against Ghanaian side, Right to Dream Academy (RTD). The opposition entered the tournament as favorites and lived up to their billing by making it to the final and defeating English Premier league outfit, Southampton 7-0 in the Championship game.
GPS opened up well and contained the residential academy team to limited opportunities. After conceding mid-way through the first period, GPS responded and were close to an equalizer on the stroke of half time. In the second half, RTD came out flying and quickly moved into a 5-0 lead. The game provided a sharp introduction to the level of opponent they were up against on European shores.
There was to be no let up in quality with the next game, against Liverpool FC, English giants and producers of such talents as Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard. The game was also special as it was held at the Showgrounds in Coleraine, the field where GPS CEO Joe Bradley made his professional debut as a 16 year old.
The ‘Scousers’ started strongly and opened the scoring just before half time with a strike from Glen McAuley, who capitalized on loose marking in the GPS box. Heeding the lessons of the day previous, GPS started the second half strongly and Kevin Berrios (GPS Florida) got the reward their efforts warranted with a well taken equalizer in the final minute of the match. There was chances for both sides in injury time and TJ MacKay (GPS Florida) almost won the game with a late chance but the boys and Coach Munro went home happy with the tie.
Day 3 began the first of a triumvirate of matches against Northern Irish county opposition with the game against County Tyrone in Broughshane. After a sluggish start which saw GPS concede early, the American’s kicked into gear and Bryan Rosales (2) and Luke Nolan each struck to put GPS well in control at the break 3-1.
Marcelo Lage (GPS MA) extended the lead right after half-time tp 4-1 but two County Tyrone penalties inside 7 minutes closed the gap again to 4-3. GPS however pushed on and sealed the victory through goals from GPS Florida tandem Kevin Berrios and Tobias MacKay.
At this point the Milk Cup splits into five different sections based on previous results, with GPS competing in the Bowl section. Illustrating the strength of GPS group matches, Liverpool and RTD both progressed into the top section (Milk Cup proper).
GPS were drawn against County Armagh in the semi-final which was held at Anderson Park (Coleraine). The Irish team started well and took the lead when Oisin Smyth slotted the ball into the corner of the net.
GPS responded well and the excellent Gavin Kilkenny and Jonathan Rodrigues teamed up seamlessly, but were unable to find a way past the Armagh keeper Tyler Boyce.
Midway through the first half, GPS Bayern were awarded a penalty, taken and missed unfortunately by Luke Nolan who smashed the outside of the post.
As the game ebbed towards a close, GPS New York’s Jake Westadt proved the hero for sending in a thrilling equaliser in the midst of the second half, meaning we were treated to a penalty shoot-out to decide the outcome. GPS FC Bayern came out on top 5-4 and claimed the win, and a place in the final.
In the opposite semi-final, County Derry defeated North Dublin Schools League to book their place in the showpiece finale at The Warren in Portstewart. After a 0-0 tie in regulation, in which both sides failed to create too many opportunities, the match was decided by a shootout. Unfortunately, GPS did not carry over the good fortune from the day previous, and fell 4-1 in the kicks.
The game closed out a fantastic experience for the team and the GPS Coaching Staff led by GPS Florida General Manager Graham Munro and continues GPS efforts to test themselves against the global standard and provide maximum opportunities and exposure for its players.
RESULTS IN FULL
Group Stage
GPS FC Bayern 0-5 Right to Dream Academy
GPS FC Bayern 1-1 Liverpool FC
GPS FC Bayern 6-3 Co. Tyrone
Bowl Semi-Final
GPS FC Bayern 1-1 Co. Armagh (won 5-4 on PKs)
Bowl Final
GPS FC Bayern 0-0 Co. Derry (lost 4-1 on PKs)