The Hauppauge Hurricanes went 1-2 in Dallas. (Photo courtesy of ENYYSA)

The Hauppauge Hurricanes participated in the IberCup USA in Dallas last month.

While the weather did not cooperate with the Boys Under-14 team’s preparation, the squad experienced a memorable time.

Four snowy Nor’easters during March created an issue for Hauppauge as it was not able to train outdoors and played only once outdoors before flying to Dallas and taking two Tex-Mex opponents in the middle of their seasons.

In the three group games, the Hurricanes lost to the Dallas Texans 1-0, defeated Mexican team Rayadis Innova 1-0, and were topped by Colorado Arsenal 3-2.

Luke Augeri scored the Long Island Junior Soccer League team’s three goals during the IberCup.

“After six months of fundraising and long hours practicing indoors, the boys, coaches and parents had a memorable and rewarding experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives,” team parent Krisztina Abbate said. “The location was fantastic, with opportunities to see an in-depth tour of AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play, and also a true rodeo, with clowns, calves and cowboys!”

Under the direction of coach Gennaro Iamunno, the Hurricanes have experienced a memorable past 12 months as they have won the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association State Open Cup, the LIJSL division championship, the Long Island Cup and also became LIJSL IberCup champion to qualify to play in Dallas.

“Every up-and-coming soccer team should strive to have the honor to attend this memorable and prestigious event,” Abbate said.

IberCup USA had extended an invitation to the top LIJSL Boys U-14 team and through this partnership, the LIJSL IberCup Champion received an automatic invitation, and paid acceptance into the tournament, with the team’s hotel, meals and ground transportation costs paid for by IberCup USA. The value of the package was estimated to be more than $10,000.

“We selected the LIJSL because of the overall competitiveness of the league, especially at the Pre-Academy level,” IberCup USA representative Jim Vogt said.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.