- Roan Kuyt followed his father’s footsteps by scoring in a major cup final.
- Everton College secured the prestigious Dallas Cup after thrilling 3-2 win.
- The son of a Liverpool legend is now making headlines for the Blues.
Everton College’s 3-2 victory over Dallas Texans in the U-19 Dallas Cup final had a notable moment. Dirk Kuyt’s son was one of the goal scorers for the Blues in this triumph.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Kuyt’s son played a key role in helping the Toffees lift the Dallas cup. The former Red’s striker has two sons, and the firstborn is Roan Kuyt. The teenager scored the second goal in the final.
On the other hand, this prestigious youth tournament, since 1980, has seen the likes of many greats. The Everton trio of Wayne Rooney, Landon Donovan, and Brian McBride, along with other icons David Beckham, Raul, and Michael Owen, have played in this tournament. This shows Roan is heading in the right direction.
Coach shares his thoughts on Roan
Fixtures reaching the Promised Land are always challenging. The Blues began their knockout games by defeating FC Dallas 2-1 in their quarter-final, followed by a 2-0 win in their semi-final against Solar SC of Allen, Texas. After that, the final at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco saw Everton College defeat Dallas Texans.
Coach Phil Oliver spoke to the ECHO, saying, “It was brilliant. Last year we got beaten in the final, so to take that one extra step and win it was great.”
However, the coach added that edgy victories have also become a part of the youth side.
“The way we did it was in typical Everton fashion as we were winning 3-0 at half-time, but ended up scraping through to hold on for 3-2. Nothing is ever easy. I don’t think I ever enjoy football.”
Later, he spoke on the impact of the former Liverpool player’s son.
“We’ve got Dirk Kuyt’s lad, Roan, up front. He scored the second goal in the final (Niall Barrow and Joshua Hughes also netted).
“I tell him all the time, every goal he scores for me knocks one off his dad’s total!”
Just like every Blue, Oliver enjoys the irony unfolding.
The bigger picture
With the cup sealed, a huge first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium awaits. However, the coach shared a light moment, hoping the former Red doesn’t tune in to watch their games.
“Dirk hasn’t come and watched any of our games, but he’s constantly on the phone to his son. Our games get filmed and Roan sends the clips back to his dad, who gives him a few tips and things.”
The coach added on the impact Dirk Kuyt had on the Merseyside derby.
“He scarred my childhood growing up, so I don’t particularly want to see him myself on the sidelines.”
As father and son don different colours, all eyes turn to where Roan’s path leads next.
