Newswriting 11

 Victory in Sweden

On July 20, 2019, the Minnesota Thunder Academy (MTA) soccer team sent to Gothenburg, Sweden, won their final match to take home the championship in the Puma Trophy in the Gothia Cup. 

The tournament in Sweden is the world’s largest youth soccer tournament, and draws teams from all over the world. 

Josie Fieldman, sophomore sports management major at North Dakota State University (NDSU), was a part of the team that took home the gold in Europe. 

Josh Fieldman, head of partnerships at a software development company, was on the trip with the team. He cheered the team on as they won the competition in dominating fashion. 

“Watching my kid play in front of thousands of people was super cool. It was great to see a team from the United States compete so well in soccer on an international stage.” Fieldman said. 

Away from the field, players and family were able to explore the country and city of Gothenburg. 

“It was super cool seeing a country I had never gone to before. I like to eat so it was fun to try new foods.” Fieldman said. 

Les Fieldman, former human resources representative, accompanied his son and granddaughter on the trip.

“I always loved traveling and experiencing different things. I enjoy watching my granddaughter play and I had never been to Sweden so it was a perfect opportunity.” Les Fieldman said. 

Not many expected the team to do as well as they did. Being one of two teams from the United States in the Puma Trophy bracket, which is considered the hardest bracket in the tournament, meant the odds were stacked against the girls from Minnesota. 

“I remember before the tournament Josie and I were talking and she did not think the team would make it very far. No one really knew what to expect, so they played with nothing to lose. I don’t think anyone expected them to win the entire thing.” Les Fieldman said. 

Sammy Kruse, freshman psychology major at Mankato State University Minnesota (MSUM), was in high school with Josie Fieldman at the time of the tournament. 

“Josie would text me about the games and how the tournament was going throughout the couple of weeks they were there. There was a time difference so I would get texts in the middle of the night or really early in the morning about the games.” Kruse said. 

While the goal of the trip was to play good soccer and win games, it was also an opportunity for the players to travel and make memories. 

“She (Josie) would send me pictures and videos of different things they got to see and do and it was all really cool.” Kruse said. 

The team went on to win all three group stage games, the quarterfinal, semi-final, and eventually the championship game, all in less than two weeks. 

After winning the tournament, the team got to drive around the city of Gothenburg in a double-decker bus, where they represented the United States and enjoyed their victory. 

Photo Credit: Josh Fieldman