US Youth Soccer National Champion Comes Back Home to Play in the Army-Navy Cup
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa (November 5, 2013) - The second installment of the Army-Navy Cup will be contested on Friday, November 8, at 7:00 p.m., at PPL Park, home of the Philadelphia Union. At that time, the Black Knights of West Point will take on the Midshipmen of Annapolis. The second annual Army-Navy Cup looks to continue the success of the inaugural meeting last year that drew an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 4,000 fans. The battle at PPL Park ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both schools hungry for victory this year.
Not only will this annual event be coming back home to Philadelphia, but so will four Navy players, including US Youth Soccer National Champion, Thomas Shiiba.
The sophomore is a Strath Haven High School graduate who scored 40 points during his senior year and was a first-team all-state selection while serving as the team captain. He was a member of the Philadelphia Union U-18 youth academy team and competed at the highest club level. This past summer, Shiiba was a part of the U19 US Youth Soccer National Championship team, Lehigh Valley United ’93. During the tournament he gained recognition from his peers and was awarded the Golden Ball, an award given to a player in each division who has the greatest competitive impact on the game. He was also listed on the tournament’s Best 11, recognizing the top 11 performers in each gender’s age group.
"My experience this summer at the National Championships was a blast and I was just lucky to be on the same team as some of the best players in Pennsylvania. I feel really blessed to be where I am today and all credit is really due to my family and coaches who have supported me and given me the confidence to play," Shiiba says reflecting on his time as a youth player. "I remember when Philadelphia first announced an MLS team was coming to the city and it was every soccer players dream to play professional soccer for their home city. Though I won't be playing with the Union, its beyond exciting to be playing in PPL Park right next to home, in the Army-Navy Cup. "
Shiiba joins his brother, Mark, a freshman defensemen, Alex Evans, a freshman forward from Lansdale, and junior midfielder, Donny Burton from Lancaster as they come home to Philadelphia to take on the Black Nights. Navy owns a 38-27-14 series advantage against Army.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to see Shiiba continue his success on the soccer field. We are happy to offer special discount pricing for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members, $9 includes parking!
To purchase tickets click here and use the promo code ARMYNAVY.