Friendly Soccer Tournament

Tournament Champion: Iraqi Community of Lowell

ACE Center’s second sporting event of the year was held on Saturday August 21st. We had a great player turnout for our friendly 7 vs. 7 soccer tournament despite the strong August sun and the high humidity. Three teams of varying ethnicities competed, consisting of more than 35 players from the combined Iraqi, Burmese, and Bhutanese communities. 

The event was held at Cawley Stadium, at the Lucas Carvalho Soccer Field, 424 Douglas Road, Lowell, MA 01852. This year’s tournament was a single elimination, each game consisted of two 20-minute halves and 5-minute half-time break. All the games were officiated by Carlo Eracleo. The Dara Boys received the first-round bye and had to anxiously await to determine who the winner of the first game would be, between the Lowell Iraqi Community and the Benchwarmers. After a close and well fought match, the Iraqi team came away with a 2-1 win.   

After a short break to rest, hydrate, and eat a few freeze pops to cool off, the Iraqi Community suited up to play in the final round against the waiting Dara Boys. The Bhutanese team jumped to an early 1-0 lead, but it was not enough to hold off their opponents who scored three unanswered goals. The Dara Boys were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities and ultimately, were unable to come back against the Iraqi team. Congratulations to the Iraqi Community of Lowell on their tournament victory! 

The ACE Center for New Americans and Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries would like to thank the teams, players, referee, staff, volunteers, and spectators who came together to make this event a great success. We look forward to hosting similar events in the Spring of 2022 and fostering growth.