Wanting to join in the fun of an All-Star week in its backyard (and perhaps rile MLS uniform sponsor Adidas), Beaverton-based Nike hosted the “Winner Stays: Portland” 4-on-4 soccer tournament last week.
“Forget about turf, half time and the offside rule,” Nike encouraged. “This is soccer, but not as you’ve played before. Winner Stays is a fast and unforgiving street-ball tournament where only the fearless advance.”
The tournament strayed from the usual rules of soccer and gave teams five-minutes, maximum, to prove their worth. In head-to-head match-ups, teams giving up the first goal were also forced to give up a player; teams scoring the next goal, won the game and stayed on the field to play again. Teams with the most points advanced to the finals.
One additional gem of the tournament: scouts selected phenomenal players to join two Wildcard teams that would compete in the finals. Would that there was such a wild-card team for the World Cup - Ronaldo, Neymar, Wayne Rooney, Tim Howard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic…anyone?! Can’t imagine such a scenario? Check out this “Winner Stays” commercial Nike aired during the World Cup.
Also, check out this great highlights video from Nike's "Winner Stays" tournament it hosted in Dubai earlier this summer:
Fun was had by all, with a DJ spinning, MLS players Matt Besler and Nick Rimando in attendance and teams giving their all. Nike hosts the “Winner Stays” tournaments at venues throughout the world. If you’re looking to prove your street soccer skills, sign up for one of the upcoming tournaments – good luck!
