On Thursday, February 12th, the Salt Lake Tribune published a letter from President Paul C. Burke with a reminder about the success of Utah's soccer teams in last summer's Moscow-Utah Summer Games. Burke's letter stated as follows:
In an otherwise laudable preview of the Moscow-Utah Winter Youth Games, The Tribune stated that "outside of boys basketball and a few track and swimming standouts, the Utahns were overwhelmed by the Muscovites" during last summer's competition in Moscow (Tribune, Jan. 30). This declaration came as a surprise to Utah's soccer community.
Far from being overwhelmed, Utah's girls soccer team came home as champions, having earned the gold medal by twice defeating Moscow's best. Utah's male soccer players would also take issue with The Tribune's characterization of their performance. Although Utah's boys soccer team did not win its matches with the Russians, the Utahns fell twice by a single goal to a Moscow team stocked with professional players.
The Utah Youth Soccer Association is proud that the players and coaches from its Olympic Development Program competed with distinction at the international level. The strong performance of Utah's soccer teams in the Moscow-Utah Youth Games is a positive reflection on the quality of the soccer clubs and programs affiliated with the Utah Youth Soccer Association. It is also a testament to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who help young Utahns nurture a passion for the world's game.
Paul C. Burke
President, Utah Youth Soccer Assn.
Salt Lake City
Strong Performances from Utah Teams in Moscow-Utah Summer Games