Local soccer team wins So Cal Championship, seek funding for national tournament

The Desert United Premier under 16 soccer team here in the valley is made up of players from all over the Coachella Valley. Nearly all the local high schools are represented on the 18 player roster and they have represented our valley well. They have earned the title as the best team in their age division throughout Southern California and now have the chance to play against the best of the best in Hawaii. Money has become an issue with trying to get the whole team to the big island and they need some help. KESQ/CBS Local 2’s Cody Krupp has the story.

TO HELP: https://www.gofundme.com/desert-united-coachella

For many kids in the Coachella Valley they eat, breathe, and sleep the game of soccer. It is in their blood and the Desert United Premier U-15 team has done something that no other team has done before.

“I think we are pretty good, we were undefeated 26-games.” Coachella Valley HS sophomore Manuel Gutierez said.

“The tournament we won it kind of proves we are number one in California.” Cathedral City sophomore Elijah Chavez added.

“Southern California’s best premier team and that was us.” Assistant coach Saul Chavez said.

It’s almost time to start packing the suitcase.

“The only premier boys men’s team to ever come out of the desert.” Chavez added.

Say aloha to Hawaii.

“Already dancing like we are in Hawaii.” The Cathedral City sophomore said.

The best team in California taking on the best in the nation.

“As we got closer and closer and closer the reality was more evident and they made it happen.” said assistant coach Chavez. “We are at a desperation point. Most of these kids need some help.”

They may have to leave some of their teammates behind.

“Pretty sure everyone would be down. We won it as a team so we want to go as a team. We can all enjoy it together as a team.” Gutierez said.

“It would ruin us as a team. Ruin our chances of winning cause the loss of one player ruins the whole team so not having one guy go hurts a lot. Hopefully everyone can pay for it and everyone can go.” Elijah Chavez finished.