Summer festival at NMU showcases prominent soccer teams; La Cueva and Academy receive Director's Cup trophies
New Mexico United High School Summer Classic: A Showcase of Top Soccer Talent
The New Mexico United High School Summer Classic, held in 2024, was a significant event for the state's top boys soccer teams. Hosted at United's Mesa del Sol complex, the tournament marked the beginning of the competitive season for these teams.
Twelve top boys soccer teams from across New Mexico participated in the tournament, which took place over two weeks. The tournament served as a platform for these teams to showcase their skills and build camaraderie before the official high school season began on Aug. 11.
Among the participating teams, St. Michael's, Texico, Albuquerque Academy, La Cueva, Logan, and St. Pius distinguished themselves, each claiming victories in various sports throughout the 2024-25 school year.
St. Michael's, for instance, secured state titles in volleyball, football, girls and boys track and field, and the 3A Cup. Texico won state championships in football, volleyball, boys basketball, and both track teams. Albuquerque Academy, on the other hand, won an impressive ten state titles, including cross country, swimming/diving, golf, tennis, boys soccer, and boys track and field.
La Cueva emerged victorious in the New Mexico United High School Summer Classic, defeating Rio Grande in the championship game via penalties (5-4). The championship game was a thrilling 70-minute affair. Jordyn Dyer, a guard from La Cueva, also received recent D-I offers from Lamar and Coppin State.
In individual accolades, Colton McKibben, a junior linebacker from Carlsbad High, was named the top New Mexico player by MaxPreps.com. McKibben's impressive performance earned him a scholarship offer from the University of Oklahoma.
Victor Romero was also inducted into the New Mexico Officials Association Hall of Fame.
While specific details about the tournament's format and exact participating teams are not widely available, it is known that top-ranked teams from the end of the 2024 high school season were invited to the tournament.
For more detailed information about the 2024 New Mexico United High School Summer Classic, such as exact participating teams, match format, and final winners, it would be best to consult New Mexico United’s official youth or community program announcements, local sports news outlets, or New Mexico high school sports coverage archives from summer 2024. Official tournament communications or social media channels related to New Mexico United’s youth engagement may also provide valuable insights.
The New Mexico United High School Summer Classic, with a focus on soccer, was an opportunity for top soccer teams to demonstrate their skills and teamwork. La Cueva, one of the distinguished schools, clinched victory in the soccer tournament, defeating Rio Grande in an intense championship game.
