16U Ukrainian boys soccer team arrived at MSP for USA Cup in Blaine

Over 950 teams are participating over the eight-day event at The National Sports Center in Blaine. In that mix is a U16 boys team from Uzhhorod Ukraine.

FC Minaj arrived at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on a flight from France Thursday afternoon. Uzhhorod is western Ukraine, away from much of the destruction from the Russian invasion but a trip like this is still a much needed break from war.

Click the video box above for extended reaction from FC Minaj’s arrival to Minneapolis

“I’m really happy that I’m in America,” said Andrew Ketsuk, a center back for FC Minaj, arriving in America for the first time. “It’s been my dream to go to America and Minnesota and to travel with my team to some other countries.”

Dates for USA Cup:

Weekend Tournament: July 8-10

Weeklong Tournament: July 12-16

Opening Ceremony: July 12 – 7 p.m.

The USA Cup has teams and referees participating from 19 countries and 25 states.