Gaston United Soccer Club

GUSC Shines at Twin City Classic

August 22, 2009

GUSC Shines at Twin City Classic (Aug. 22 & 23)
If you’ve ever seen coach Hugo Grajeda roam the sidelines, you know he’s a taskmaster who is always looking to push his teams. This past weekend—during the Twin City Classic in Winston Salem—Grajeda was his usual high-intensity self, as three teams from Gaston United Soccer Club (GUSC) participated in 23rd annual tournament.

“Overall, it was a good experience for our club,” said Grajeda, whose clubs were part of the 180-team field from the Carolinas and surrounding states. “All three of our teams were in the top bracket, and we had tough competition. Collectively, we still have a lot of work to do, though,” the coach said.

Indeed. The GUSC teams—the U12s, U13s and U14s—strutted their stuff, all playing at least three games in hot-and-muggy conditions. The U13s made it all the way to the championship game before losing a hard-fought battle on PKs to Columbia United SC.

Photo by Diego Romero

“If I work three times a week with [the U13s], we will have the potential to win the state,” Grajeda vows. “This team could be the best in the state.

Added Grajeda: “We’re continuing to build here. That’s what we’re focused on.”

Competitive Teams Season Accomplishments

Division Champions

Congradulations to the U12 Boys Blue and the U13 Boys Blue for the Division Championships.

Three local soccer players chosen for ODP pool

May 02, 2009

Three local soccer players were chosen for the North Carolina Olympic Development Program.

Georgia Belk, Seth Jones and Juan Villa were selected for the program, which is designed to identify high-caliber players for the purpose of developing their skills. Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts conducted by coaches for the N.C. Youth Soccer Association and college and club coaches.

Belk plays for the Gaston United '95 Blue girls' team and for Grier Middle School. Jones plays for Gaston United '96 Blue boys' team and Saint Michaels. Villa plays for the Gaston United '93 Blue boys' team and Ashbrook High School.

TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to all the players who participated in the 6th Annual Icebreaker Cup (Jan. 31-Feb. 1). Thank you for your support. See you in 2010!

Order professional Prints from:
Keith Coward, Randy Rimland & Clayton Gause

Coach Hugo’s 93 Blues beat Charlotte United’s 93 Greens 1-0.
To see more photos, click here                                                           Photo by Jeff Beaty

GUSC’s 95 Blues beat Charlotte United’s 96 Boys Elite team 4-1.
To see other photos, click here                                                    Photo by Ginger Rowe


  GUSC’s 96 Boys Blue beat GYS Dynamo Gold 3-0.
To see other photos, click here                                     Photo by Diego Romero

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