COLUMBUS: The Columbus Crew kicked off its sixth annual Copa Victoria adult Latino-league soccer tournament last weekend. The 24-team, single-elimination tournament began Saturday (May 31) at the Crew Training Center at Obetz and will eventually conclude with the championship game, to be played at Crew Stadium prior to the Crew’s game vs. FC Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008.  

On May 24, the Crew and representatives from participating leagues held the official tournament draw in the Stadium Club at Crew Stadium. Team managers and all 480 players from the 24 participating teams were invited to attend the unveiling of the tournament bracket and were later treated to the Crew’s game against New England along with $10 in food vouchers.

Tournament match days are scheduled for June 7, June 28, July 12, July 26 and August 2 at the Crew Training Center at Obetz ( 4153 Alum Creek Drive ). All matches are free and open to the public.

“We are proud to host again this year the sixth annual Copa Victoria tournament for the growing and passionate Hispanic community of Columbus ,” said Eduardo “Eddie” Carvacho, the Crew’s Director of Hispanic Business Development. “Copa Victoria has become a signature event for the five Hispanic adult soccer leagues in Columbus, offering a unique opportunity for the Crew to connect with the Hispanic community through its passion for the game of soccer.”

The 24 teams participating in the 2008 Copa Victoria Tournament include: Atletico Santa Rita, Real Sociedad, Congoles, Quetzal, CD Aguila, San Ber, CD Chaletenango, Tapatio, Nayarit, Jalapa, CD La Maquina, Tigres, Ajax, Argentina, Valedores, Valladolid, Panteras, Juventud Alegre, CD Real San Antonio, Honduras FC, San Antonio, Imperial, CD Rayos and Barcelona. This year’s teams were selected from five leagues around Columbus , including: Columbus Soccer League, International Soccer League Ohio, Ohio Hispanic Adult Soccer Association, Latinos Unidos, and Interlatinos. 

Tournament standings, pairings, rules and additional information can be found in the Community section of the Crew’s official Web site, www.TheCrew.com.