Westlake's SoCal United soccer team playing in Dr Pepper Dallas Cup

The SoCal United boys' U-15 soccer team from Westlake, the defending U.S. National Champions, traveled to Dallas, Texas this week for the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXVII, one of the most competitive youth soccer tournaments in the world.

The international boys' tournament takes place April 9 through 16 at the new Pizza Hut Park soccer complex in Frisco, Texas. Tournament action kicked off

last Sunday with a match between Super Group teams, Dallas Texans Red and Tigres of Mexico.

Opening ceremonies featured a match between Manchester United FC of England against Real Madrid CF of Spain.

Soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton of Manchester United and England fame is the 2006 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup guest of honor.

"We are excited to host SoCal United boys' under 15 for

this year's Dr Pepper Dallas Cup and we're looking forward to seeing them in action," said Gordon Jago, executive director of the Dallas Cup.

"This will be an experience of a lifetime for players that have the honor to attend," Jago said.

Soccer superstars who have competed as amateurs in earlier Cups include David Beckham, Landon Donovan, DeMarcus Beasley and Freddie Adu.