The storied run of Real Caribe Soccer Club took a dramatic turn in Chicago, as they emerged victorious winning the USASA National Men's U-23 championship. Winning this championship was not only monumental, it was also historical. Monumental because its the first national winning team from eastern NY in forty years and historical because no other Jamaican club has ever won a national championship in the United States. The number one goal for the Club was to win the national title. Winning the Region 1 tournament in June, moved Real Caribe closer to that ultimate prize. With determination and focus, the squad led by coach Huntley Swaby and his staff (Marlon Pinnock and Calvin Murry) ventured to Toyota Park, Chicago with one thing in mind and that was to win the National Championship. The team went into the semi-final game against South Sound FC (Seattle, Wa.) brimming with confidence knowing they were well prepared and ready to take on anyone. Goals from Kefari Samuels, Dale McDonald, James Palumbo and Johann Craan proved too much for the opponent as Real Caribe cruised into the championship game with a 4-0 victory. The finals saw Real Caribe facing Croatian Eagles (Wisconsin), who defeated the defending national champion Carolina Railhawks (North Carolina) in their semi-final game. The final was a well played game with both teams playing at a high level. Real Caribe had a slight edge in possession creating the more dangerous chances. Caribe was rewarded in the 26th minute when center back Satchel McLean pounced on a loose ball in the area after a corner, firing past a well beaten goalkeeper. Croatian Eagles pressed for the equalizer but was kept in check by a solid Real Caribe defence and smart mid-field play from co-captains Keston George and James Palumbo. Asked his thoughts on the victory coach Swaby said "today is a result of hard work and dedication over the last five years. We had good teams in the past with guys who worked just as hard but the championship kept eluding the club. This year things fell in place. We were given the opportunity and we took it. We don't know when or if Real Caribe will be in another position like this but we hope it will be sooner rather than later." Club president Craig Hines added "Real Caribe will always continue to blaze new trails and keep striving for excellence."
