Ms. Shimmeck was part of the Dallas Texans '94 team recently won the Gothia Cup in Sweden. The team qualified for the overseas event by winning the Man United Nike Premier Cup in Oregon, Memorial Day weekend. Following is a report on the Sweden trip she filed for us.
 
We left Dallas early Saturday morning and arrived in Sweden Sunday morning. After the LONG flight the team got to walk around Gothenburg.  Everyone was coming up to us asking if we were playing in the Gothia Cup, where we were from, and wishing us Good Luck.  The whole city knew about the tournament. There were Gothia Cup Banners in the streets and it was all about soccer.  The next morning we started bracket play against the Swedish team IK Pandora.  It was weird to hear the crowd and opponents speaking a different language.  We won the game 7-0.

The opening ceremony was incredible, so many teams and so many countries.  Singing to the music, dancing, and fireworks.  It felt great to be a part of something so big and to know that we had earned our way there!  
 
The next two bracket games were also against teams from Sweden.  Our team played well, the mid-field controlled the ball, the forwards were able to finish, and the defense did not give up a goal as we won 6-0 & 2-0 in a driving rain storm.

Our first playoff game was Thursday afternoon against the Swedish team Jetix BK, which is the one of the best professional clubs in Sweden.  Jetix scored in the first half, it was the only goal the team gave away all week.  However, we were able to come back the second half and score two goals & I was fortunate enought to score the game winner.
 
On Friday during the quarter final game, we moved to the complex called Heden and the fields were turf but what an environment it was.  Fans were everywhere & the passion the Europeans showed for the game of soccer was incredible. The only time we didn't have a large crowd was against the Italian Team FCF Como.  The game was first thing in the morning and it was raining.  The Italians were very intense and emotional as we scored 3 goals winning 3-0. The next two games everyone was out at the fields watching as the sun came out once again.  It was funny because people were in trees, on top of goals, and on top of bathrooms just to see the games. The crowds were amazing!
 

We got a chance to play a team from the United States in the semi-final as we dominated the game 4-0.  
 
The most exciting game by far was the final.  The team got to play in the huge Ullevi Stadium.  We got ready in the locker room,and before the game began we stood in front of the crowd while they played the National Anthem and held up an American flag in front of us.  That was very cool.  (Goose bump moment)

We played another team from Sweden. The team played intense the first half, but we were not able to finish our opportunities.  In the second half we played much better, and had several more scoring chances.  Antonnete Bennet hit a strike from about 25 yards out about half way through the second half and our defense continued to hold strong. At the end of 9 games in 6 days, we were Gothia Cup Champions!
The medal ceremony was awesome.  We walked up on stage, took pictures, and were on Swedish TV.  I felt honored to be selected as the MVP of the finals. Knowing that I helped the team win means the world to me.  
 
Our team had an amazing year and to be a part of it is special.  I will never forget our week in Sweden, the people, my teammates and coach, all the laughs, and all the experiences of playing soccer in Europe.  We were proud to win and represent the Dallas Texans, Nike, and the USA.

Dallas Texans '94 Roster

1 - Abby Smith
2 - Sara Watson
4 - Kelsey Bass
5 - Brooke Herrick
6 - Makenzie Koch
7 - Kelsey Shimmick
9 - Shelby Soldat
10 - Amanda Elarton
11 - Lauren Reyes
15 - Lauren Meyer
19 - Lissi Lonsberry
20 - Kaily Whitsel
21 - Angel Garcia
23 - Antoinette Bennett