Schwan’s USA CUP International Youth Soccer Tournament: July 19, 2012

Overcoming earthquake and tsunami, Tokiwagi's back at USA CUP

07/19/2012, 2:21pm CDT

By Madeline Greene

Soccer was the last thing on Haruka Nihei’s mind on March 11, 2011. She and her brother were at home as first an earthquake shook her house and then a horrific tsunami washed away everything she owned.

Nihei was a player for the Tokiwagi Gauken High School soccer team. The school, located in Sendai, Japan, has a storied history in Schwan's USA CUP. Some of Japan’s best national soccer players came through the team and played in USA CUP, including three members of Japan's current World Cup Champions. No surprise then that when they travel to USA CUP, they've dominated the tournament. Their incredible foot skills, speed and teamwork make Tokiwagi’s teams "must see" during the tournament.

Kara Radeke's 20-year journey from tournament volunteer to USA CUP director

07/19/2012, 2:20pm CDT

By Madeline Greene

Schwan’s USA CUP, presented by PUMA has fostered the growth of soccer players for the last three decades. The tournament has been home to thousands of players and fans. But when a 13- year old Kara Johnson first played in the tournament in 1992 as a U13 player for the Centennial Soccer Club, she could never have imagined it was the beginning of a lifelong journey.

Sipping from the CUP

07/19/2012, 2:14pm CDT

By Media Staff

"Sipping from the CUP" is the new daily news column in The Daily Kick. Each day during Schwan's USA CUP, we'll be using this column to feature short news items, humorous things seen on the campus, and even some gossip! Read and enjoy.