“This is the most prestigious adult amateur soccer competition in the country,” said Werner Fricker, the chairman of the National Cup committee in addition to being a lifelong UGH member.

“This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United German Hungarian Club and we’re very excited to host this event.

“There’s going to be some great soccer played here and we hope that young people come to the games and see that there are opportunities for them to continue playing soccer after their school days are over. 

“They don’t have to become professionals in order to keep playing. The adult soccer community is very strong and the USASA is the only adult soccer organization that is a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation.” 

The semifinals are on Friday and the championship games on Sunday. Games begin at 6 p.m. on Friday. For a complete tournament schedule go to www.usasa.com/nationalcups10/index_E.html.

Concessions will be available throughout the event, including German and Hungarian specialties as well as more traditional fare and a cash bar will be in the clubhouse.

UGH narrowly missed having a team in the tournament.

“We were two games away but we lost in penalty kicks,” Fricker said. “It would have been great to have a team entered but we’re still very excited.”

UGH has been an active participant in the National Cup over the years, winning the 1965 amateur category and the open title in 1999. 

Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children and are good for the entire day.

“We welcome families,” Fricker said. “They’ll see some great soccer at a great price.”

Karen Sangillo can be reached at karensangillo@verizon.net.