Pros

Morales inspires beach boys
September 19, 2006


Former UMass star, Yuri Morales, was in fine form as the USA Beach Soccer team finished in first place at the 2006 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament. In doing so, the USA secured a place at the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Morales scored five goals in his side’s four games, which included wins against Canada (3-0), Jamaica (5-2) and Mexico (7-4). Following its 3-0 start to the tournament, a 3-2 loss to Costa Rica in the team's final match on Sunday mattered little to the final standings.

The side’s captain, Francis Farberoff, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The USA will now prepare for the 2006 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which will take place in November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil, Japan and Poland will be the USA's opponents in the group stage of the 16-team tournament.