USL Feature
Monday, July 18, 2011
CLEARWATER, Fla. - After an incredible weekend of volleys, headers and silky skills, the 2011 Major Beach Soccer Clearwater Beach event has come to a close. More than 115 teams fought valiantly to reach the finals of this tournament, with many motivated by the chance of winning the division and returning to Clearwater in December for the inaugural MBS National Championships.
Three days of action saw teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament, with one team standing out a little more than the competition. With multiple beach soccer stars on its roster, it was clear that Florida Beach Soccer FC was on a mission to win the Men’s Open division at this MBS event.
Racing out of the group stage, Florida Beach Soccer FC was off to a great start in this tournament and looked like the team to beat. Their control of the ball in possession was second to none and it was clear their tactical buildup was going to be key as the tournament reached its advanced stages. However, it turns out the most important component to Florida Beach Soccer FC’s team was experience.
Not only did Florida Beach Soccer FC have an array of players that compete at a high level on grass, they had one player that controls the tempo of play at major international beach soccer tournaments. Florida Beach Soccer FC was led by United States National Beach Soccer Team captain Francis Farberoff.
Farberoff, who has competed at several FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, was busy showing off his skills in Clearwater. He was dominant from start to finish, motivating his team to push on, even when exhaustion set in late on Sunday afternoon. His team eventually pulled out a dramatic championship victory at the MBS stadium complex, graciously provided to the event by the City of Clearwater. Florida Beach Soccer FC capitalized on a goalkeeping error and a penalty kick to capture the championship and earn passage to the MBS National Championship in Clearwater.
Farberoff’s top achievements in the sport of beach soccer include playing in Rio de Janeiro at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, and he thinks Major Beach Soccer is on the right track in expanding the sport in the United States.
“I just want to thank USL and Major Beach Soccer for putting on a great event this weekend,” Farberoff said. “Of course the international play is at a different level, but Major Beach Soccer is top class.”
Farberoff and his Florida Beach Soccer FC team will now compete at the USL Major Beach Soccer National Championships in Clearwater December 17-18.
MBS Clearwater Beach was supported by Umbro, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission, the City of Clearwater, Powerade, Red Bull, Kellogg’s, Orlando City Soccer Club, Hooters, TGI Signage Systems, and Farpost Soccer Company.