The USA All Stars are gearing up for this year’s Pacific Community Cup with a sense of humility as they prepare to face a series of unfamiliar opponents. Coach Imone Mohanta acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly recognizing Fijian club Rewa, known for their impressive performance in the National League and participation in the OFC Champions League.
With a past stint as a player/coach, Mohanta highlights the challenging opener against IDC champions Labasa, a team they defeated last year, providing a glimpse of familiarity amidst the new competition. “The Pacific Cup is a truly extraordinary event, uniting the Fijian diaspora globally through our shared passion for football. We are excited to embrace this year’s challenges and anticipate a rich experience in Fiji,” Mohanta stated.
Due to the geographic spread of the players across the US, Canada, and England, unified training sessions have proven difficult. Additionally, the overlap with both professional and collegiate seasons restricts the inclusion of numerous standout Fijian players. However, Mohanta is optimistic about the talent of those they have selected, emphasizing each player’s quality, maturity, and professional mentality.
Last year’s successful performance, where they went undefeated and topped their group, serves as a motivational backdrop. This year, they are fortunate to include several prominent Fijian players, such as Hayden Prasad, who dominated assists in previous matches, and Oliver McFadyen, a top scorer with a past representation in Fiji’s U20 national team. Zach Verhoven, a seasoned professional, is making his tournament debut with high expectations.
Mohanta expressed pride in having a roster that includes several guest players with professional experience, including Javi Mariona, Alex Vedamanikam, and Donovan Lescott, among others. The team’s goal is clear: to win the Pacific Cup and bring it home to the United States for the first time.
“Our aspirations are high, and with heart, determination, and pride in representing our country, we are ready to give it everything we’ve got,” he concluded.
The USA All Stars kick off their campaign against Labasa in the opening match of the Flick Hygiene Pacific Community Cup on Thursday, followed by matches against the NZFFI Auckland All Stars and Rewa on subsequent days.
This tournament presents a wonderful opportunity not just for competition but for cultural exchange and camaraderie among players, showcasing the global love for football. As the USA All Stars head into the Pacific Cup, their commitment and determination could inspire many, serving as a beacon of hope for emerging talent and fostering the global football community.
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