Orlando City SC are the winners of the inaugural U15 International Cup, which was held at VfB headquarters on Tuesday and Wednesday. Orlando, Sudeva Delhi FC and Sao Paulo FC accepted VfB’s invitation to take part in the competition and played their part in four exciting encounters. The tournament began with a game between Orlando and Sudeva Delhi, which the US side won 4-0, before an absorbing contest between Sao Paulo and VfB in the second semi-final. Despite having Domenico Lanata’s early opener cancelled out before half-time, the Cannstatt youngsters created several good opportunities to retake the lead – but Lady Luck was not on their side. While VfB were denied by the post, Sao Paulo were more clinical in front of goal, making it 2-1 with ten minutes remaining and holding on for victory.
In Wednesday’s third-place play-off between Stuttgart and Sudeva Delhi, the Indian side prevailed on penalties after a 1-1 draw. In the final, which kicked off at the same time, Orlando and Sao Paulo were also locked together at 1-1 after 70 minutes, but the Americans triumphed in the shoot-out before being presented with the trophy by VfB brand ambassador Cacau. Sao Luys Manoel dos Santos Lima was voted player of the tournament by the teams’ coaches, while Orlando’s Luan Silva picked up the award for best goalkeeper.
“We look back with great joy on an extremely successful international tournament here at VfB’s headquarters,” said Daniel Teufel, the VfB youth academy’s head of sport. “The performances on the pitch, our respectful collaboration and the passionate interaction between players and coaches from different nations gave this event a very special quality. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved who played a part in this success.”
This weekend, all four teams will travel to Friedrichshafen, where the renowned MTU-Cup – featuring several big-name international sides – will be held at the exhibition hall. Reigning champions VfB will face FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, TSV Tettnang and VfB Friedrichshafen II in their group on Saturday.
