VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Folks out at the oceanfront got the chance to see how the pros did it on the final day of the 26th annual Ferguson North American Sand Soccer Championships on Sunday. The "U", a Tampa, Florida based team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against the Great Lakes of Michigan and managed to hold on to a 3-2 win. Matt Whalen, the Director Of Operations for the NASSC, is still amazed how the event grows every year. "We're surprised every year. The biggest bonus for us is like how many local families are involved with it because it's a benefit to the Hampton Roads soccer complex. We have a huge retention rate for our teams, but you bring in new ones every year because every one's a part of the excitement."
Thiago Henrique, who won game MVP, helped get the "U" out to an early lead when he scored a couple of minutes into the first period. The Tampa squad would win the top prize of $15,000 dollars. The event also held its first ever Women's Open Final. Maryland Beach Soccer took first and won $3,000 dollars.