The day before the Los Angeles Galaxy beat the New England Revolution in MLS Cup 2005, 24 young athletes from around the country sought glory of their own as they competed in the national finals of the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS Dribble, Pass & Score(DPS) youth skills competition at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
A boys and girls national champion was named in each of three ages divisions: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14. The finalists made the all-expense paid trip to Frisco with their families. The 24 participants represent 10 of the 12 Major League Soccer markets.
The national finalists advanced through three previous levels of competition within their local markets to reach the Sierra Mist MLS DPS National Finals. After emerging from Local and Sectional Competitions, they moved on to the Team Championship with the top four scorers nationwide in each age division winning the opportunity to compete at MLS Cup 2005.
The Columbus Crew had 3 finalists reach the national finals from qualifying here at the Crew Team Championship: Frank Steffen Jr. from Westlake, Ohio (8/9 Boys), Sarah Waldo from Bedford, Ind. (8/9 Girls) and Jackson Quist from Delaware, Ohio (10/11 Boys). From those three participants, Sarah Waldo received the top honor of DPS National Champion for the 8-9 girls age group.
Sarah's father Brian Waldo said: "We had a great time. The stadium was beautiful and we got to take in all of Texas."
The Waldo family traveled form Bedford, Ind., to participate in the DPS competition, which is a 4 hour drive to Columbus. It was the family's first Crew game but they are looking to come back for games in the future.
The Crew would like to congratulate Sarah as a 2005 DPS National Champion!
