South Coast Bayern is heading back to the North Ireland Milk Cup, but this time they’re bringing reinforcements.

The talent-laden Huntington Beach, CA, club is returning to the UK for the fourth time in a row, representing the United States in the prestigious tournament that begins July 26 and brings together the world’s soccer powers.

For the first time, though, Bayern will also be bringing along its U15 group to accompany the U17 team. It speaks to the quality showings and respect that Bayern has earned over the years that they would have two teams accepted into the event.

And while the younger squad, competing in the Junior Division, is coming off a great victory at the Cal South State Cup last weekend, this European challenge will be like nothing the kids have faced before.

“We have to show competitiveness, no matter whether we win or lose,” said South Coast Bayern coach Vishtast Farhadi. “If you’re not competitive you won’t be invited back. This tournament is a great opportunity to educate the kids and teach them their options and what they can achieve.”

The Bayern U17s will be looking to improve on their impressive record in the event. Bayern served as the Milk Cup’s only U.S. representative (aside from the U.S. U17 Men’s National Team) last year and they reached the final against Manchester United in 2008.

The tournament starts with 24 teams per division – junior and premier – and after two matches the teams are broken up into three groups of eight as each group vies for its own trophy. The highest group pursues the Milk Cup trophy, and the South Coast Bayern squad has qualified for that group in each of its past three years.

They’ll be trying to keep that streak alive as they open play against Saint Augustin before a second match against Co. Antrim.

The U15s will be thrown directly into the fire while going up against Chelsea on Day one, then facing Queen of the South.

It will be a valuable experience for all players involved as they represent more than just themselves and their club during the trip.

“We have received a nice letter from (senior National Team coach) Bob Bradley that said he was very happy and appreciative that we were giving players the chance to see how much harder they need to work to reach the top level,” Farhadi said. “The way the players are taken care of and treated during the event is special - it’s like a professional team or the World Cup.

“It will be a good experience and we’re looking forward to going back.”

South Coast Bayern Rosters

93 Milk Cup Premier Section

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Thomas Carter Henry Rios Colin McAtee Erick Esquivel Nicholas Garcia Carlos Gonzalez Oscar Gonzalez Juan (Crabby) Gutierrez Christopher Luu Steve Palacios Dylan Pritchard Blake Steele Shane Steffes Cody Thompson Brandon Vincent Jordan Gibbs Adam Zepeda

93 Milk Cup Junior Section

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Chase Abelson Alec Affarian Quinn Brody Carl Rubschlager Shane Staudle Clay Kelty Danny Herrera Frankie Perez Kashtin De La Cruz Jaime Salazar Paul Salcido Corey Schramm Dane Silverlake Jason Trejos Dean Wright Luis (Pelon) Domiguez Chris Costantini