This wasn’t just any trip. The Feliz Filadelfia 19-Under team had just come off back-to-back championship seasons, including an undefeated run, with only one loss over the past two years. Our 12 returning players and 3 guest players came together with one mission… to represent Philly with pride and compete against top talent.
On July 6th, we touched down in Puerto Rico for a week that would test us, bond us, and remind us why we love this game. After a beach day at Crash Boat (Aguadilla), we opened play Tuesday against the Bravos de Cidra, a top-tier AA Juveniles club from Puerto Rico’s Liga Doble A Juvenil. We battled in a stadium built for nearly 2,000 fans and fell just short, 5–4, in a tough back-and-forth game. Wednesday’s games were rained out, so we regrouped at Isla Verde Beach to reset and refocus.
Thursday night, we hit the road into the mountains for a true away game in Yabucoa, on the island’s southeast coast. Under the lights, we faced the Azucareros de Yabucoa, another powerful AA Juveniles team with serious skill. The atmosphere was intense, the crowd was loud, and we went toe-to-toe before dropping a 5–2 decision. “This trip wasn’t about wins and losses…it was about representing where we’re from, stepping into new territory, and growing as a team. The boys matured on and off the field,” said Founder and Coach Jose.
On Friday, we split up… some returned to the beach with Coach Juan, while others toured Old San Juan with Coach Jose, soaking in the island’s culture and history. Saturday, we flew home… maybe not undefeated, but definitely stronger, more united, and changed by this experience.
To everyone who donated, supported, or believed in us: thank you. Puerto Rico showed us love, tested us, and reminded us what Feliz Filadelfia is all about.
