Once a year, boys soccer teams from around the world travel to D.C. to compete in the U17 International Amateur Soccer Tournament – the Challenge for the Tiffany Cup. The prize? A crystal trophy cup from Tiffany & Co. This year, D.C. United Academy fell to the undefeated West Ham United FC Academy of England in the finals. The Spectator spoke with sophomore Sebastian Cahe, a member of D.C. United Academy, about the tournament.

Spectator: What was it like to play against teams from around the world?

Sebastian Cahe: It was a really good experience. It’s good to compare yourself with teams that are doing really well.

Spec: What was your favorite part of the whole experience?

SC: My favorite part was playing the finals against West Ham. We had to go into overtime, but it was still emotional and fun to play in.

Spec: What was your funniest memory from the tournament?

SC: The Georgian National team was there and they didn’t speak any English. We all would just say random things and they had no idea what we were saying. We didn’t have any idea what they were saying either.

Spec: How did you find out about the tournament, and what made you decide to do it?

SC: It’s something the team organizes every year. They don’t play everyone, but they do it every year.

Spec: What was your team like this year?

SC: We had a bunch of new players that came in and contributed a lot to the team. They were young, so next year they’ll be good as well.

Spec: Where were your teammates from?

SC: They’re all from the D.C. area, usually from Maryland and Virginia.

Spec: Would you take part in this tournament again?

SC: Next year I’m moving up. The tournament is U17, so this was my last year.