Berkeley Institute?s senior boys? football team put on a brave performance during last week?s 25th annual Tempe Thanksgiving Elite Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona.

Clinching Group 11 of the event without conceding a single goal, the school team advanced to the semi-finals of the competition where they suffered a 3-1 defeat to eventual winners, Classic Desert Rats.

Having to play four matches within 24 hours took a heavy toll on the Bermuda youngsters, according to coach Arnold Manders.

Overall Berkeley finished third in an event which was played across nine separate venues in Arizona.

?The boys were simply exhausted from playing four 90-minute games in 24 hours,? explained Manders.

?Each player had to be rubbed down before games as their muscles were tight and sore. But they still managed to play some very attractive soccer and most people were amazed to learn were a high school team.?

During the group stage of the tournament featuring over 200 youth teams in various age categories, Berkeley played to a scoreless draw against beaten finalists Mustang Soccer Club, defeated FC Legacy (New Mexico) 2-0 and Tempe Soccer Club 87 Pros (Arizona) 3-0 to clinch their group.

The Berkeley squad boasted some of the Island?s most promising players among their ranks. Somerset Trojans defender Ijahmon Mallory, St.George?s Cricket Club?s Jahron Dickinson, North Village?s Shane Hollis and Bermuda Under-17 national team players Robert Richardson and Daniel Johnson formed the nucleus of the team.

Dickinson led the side in scoring (four) with Hollis netting three while ?keeper Johnson, who recently transferred from Village to Dandy Town, recorded three shut-outs.

Coach Manders also singled out centre back Mishael Paynter and midfielder Andre Famous for special praise.

This year?s tournament featured teams from Arizona, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Canada, England and San Antonio.

Classic Desert Rats defeated Mustang Soccer Club 2-0 in last Sunday?s final.

While on tour, the local youngsters got chance to watch National Basketball Association team Phoenix Suns take on the visiting Milwaukee Bucks at America West Arena.