The Copa Alamo Classico 2025, formerly known as the Fall Shootout, once again brought international excitement to San Antonio, Texas. Sponsored by the SA City Soccer Club and sanctioned by US Club Soccer and the South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA), the tournament welcomed boys’ and girls’ competitive teams from U11 through U19, along with recreational and academy teams from U5 through U19. With single-age and level-of-play brackets, the event ensured balanced competition for all participants.
Shanelle’s Journey with SA Athenians
At 14 years old, Shanelle stood tall in goal for the SA Athenians. Her performances were crucial in guiding her team through a challenging bracket: Her team played was paired with 08 and 09 teams which gives them a
1–0 victory over Angeles Soccer Elite (Mexico)
1–0 victory against Urban Champions Academy
2–1 defeat to Medina Valley Soccer Club
Shanelle’s reflexes and composure under pressure kept the Athenians competitive throughout the tournament. Though the team fell short against Medina Valley, her consistency highlighted her potential to one day represent the Black Maidens of Ghana.
Denzel’s Run with DMFC ⚡
At just 11 years old, Denzel guarded the net for DMFC in the 2014 Boys Gold Division. His team’s journey was marked by dominant wins and strong defensive play:
2–0 victory over Dripping Springs Soccer
3–0 victory against Premier Futbol Academy
3–0 semifinal win in a Semi Finals against Dripping Springs Soccer
2–1 Final defeat to Angeles Soccer Elite (Mexico)
Denzel’s confident goalkeeping gave DMFC the backbone they needed to reach the finals. Despite the loss, his performances showed maturity and promise, fueling his dream of playing for the Black Starlets of Ghana.
Siblings United by a Dream
What makes their story remarkable is not just their individual achievements, but the fact that Shanelle and Denzel are siblings, both excelling as goalkeepers in different divisions of the same international tournament. Their journey from Ghana to Texas highlights the global reach of soccer and the determination of young athletes striving for greatness.
Together, they embody the spirit of the Copa Alamo Classico: competition, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. With their eyes set firmly on representing Ghana’s national teams, the Black Maidens and the Black Starlets, Shanelle and Denzel’s story is only beginning.
