The first of three weekends at the Dimitri Cup in Lakewood Ranch is in the books, and DME Academy wasted no time making a statement. With six teams in action across the weekend, three returned home with championship hardware, an outstanding start that reflects the depth, resilience, and competitive edge within the program.

2016 Boys – Growth, Grit, and a Dominant Finish

The 2016 Boys delivered one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. Finishing with four wins and one loss, the group saved their best soccer for when it mattered most. After suffering a 4–0 loss earlier in the event to a strong Miami-based side, the boys earned a rematch in the final, and made no mistake the second time around.

In a commanding 3–0 victory, the team flipped the script completely. Across semifinal and final play, the 2016s scored seven goals while conceding zero, showcasing defensive discipline and attacking confidence. Adding to the accomplishment, the group played up in 9v9 competition, competing in the 2015 bracket, an invaluable development challenge that paid off in a big way.

2014 Girls – Three-Peat Champions

The 2014 Girls continued to build on their legacy at the Dimitri Cup, capturing their third consecutive tournament title. The group went undefeated with four wins and one draw, showing consistency and composure throughout the weekend.

In the final, they faced the tournament’s #13-ranked team, edging out a hard-fought 2–1 victory. The win was a testament to the group’s mentality, experience, and ability to manage high-pressure moments, hallmarks of a team that knows how to win.

2015 Girls (Tampa) – The Future on Full Display

Our young guns from the 2015/16 Girls out of Tampa turned heads with an undefeated run of their own. In the championship match, they defeated #8 Cape Coral 1–0, controlling large stretches of the game through impressive possession, confidence on the ball, and emerging individual skill sets.

For such a young group, the composure and bravery shown throughout the tournament speaks volumes about what’s coming next.

2014 Boys Black – Deserve A Shout Out 

Going 3-2 the boys showed moments of brilliance over the weekend. A sign of what to come? They lost a heartbreaker in the semi-finals, losing on PK’s but the boys certainly proved there is something there to build off of!

Setting the Tone

Congratulations to all three championship teams for braving the weather, competing with purpose, and setting the tone for what’s ahead. With older age groups taking the field next weekend and the week after, momentum is building—and Weekend One proved that DME Academy Sarasota is ready for the challenge.

Strong start. High standards. And plenty more soccer to come.