Converging from across the USA, Brazil, Norway, Iceland and Germany, the USA U18 national teams gathered in Dormagen, Germany on Thursday for their first ever international competitions.

Just hours after stepping off flights, both teams acquitted themselves quite well.  Congrats to the Women, who prevailed 25-14 over a youth side from Pulheimer SC.  We'll provide more details as soon as we have them.  

The men, meantime, were paced offensively by Weston Holmes, Nick Davis, Kobi Rex and John Bellard and racked up 32 goals.  Goalkeeper Chris Hesser stopped two 7-meters, but it wasn't enough and the USA fell 41-32 against the TSV Dormagen U17's.  Christopher Koerner, who plays for Rhein Neckar Loewen's second team in the Regionaliga, made his USA debut and was an important addition to the team, said coach Mike Maunula.

"Nick was our star player, scoring off of strong breakthroughs and great backcourt shots. Our offense overall was a delight - 11 out 12 players scored at least one goal," Maunula said.

After the games, the teams checked into their Dormagen Hotel for some much-needed sleep.  Both teams have two days to practice before their next matches against TSG Benrath on Sunday.

Meantime, reports indicate that Keith Fine, Army '08 alum and WCAP member, has been promoted to the TSV Dormagen 2nd team - competing in the Regionaliga (3rd division).  Congrats, Keith!