as well a glittering trophy as proof of their exploits in the USA Cup.

The youngsters won their way through to the finals of the Under 16 Division before they were finally beaten 4-1 by a select team known as the Long Island Red All Stars. Such was the performance of the west end team that they were voted Team of the Tournament by a panel which included soccer great Pele and US World Cup team member Hugo Perez.

In addition, Lamaul Crofton and Kwame Tucker -- joint top scorers with nine goals -- and Dean Simmons were approached by several Division I college representatives with offer sheets. Midfielder Keion Simmons also impressed with some steady play.

Somerset had recorded resounding victories during the opening round robin section with scores of 11-0 against Philadelphia team, St. Thomas and 6-1 and 7-0 over Minnesotans Eagan Elite and Plymouth Wyzeta.

Qualifying as top seeds in their section they again sliced their way through opponents in the next four rounds until meeting Long Island.

Coach Josef Gooden said that he was pleased with his players and thought the trip well worthwhile. "It's good for soccer in Bermuda in that it gives youngsters incentives for playing, he said. "Players learn what it takes to compete in the international arena against physically stronger and bigger teams.

"The US teams have a new flair to their game nowadays and each game was a challenge to us.'' Somerset intend to take part in the Norway cup in Denmark next year and have been invited to the Long Island International Champions Cup in New Jersey during September.

Somerset squad: Marcell Dill, Ian Bascome, Winston Martin, Jabral Tucker, Jazaine Smith, Darren Minors, Marco Butterfield, Keion Simmons, Najee Woods, Kwame Tucker, Cean simmons, Lamaul Crofton, Deion Woolridge, Harry Hunt, Perry Jones, Darren Showers, Jamal Smith, Johnny Best.