ROMERO, CUNLIFFE EXPERIENCE ‘TST’ WITH SONS

This year’s edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), America’s million-dollar, winner-take-all soccer spectacle in North Carolina, was not just about the stars on the field — it was also about those in the stands. Among the VIP guests were Guam National Team veterans Jason Cunliffe and Jonah Romero, two respected figures in the world of international football, who returned to the TST stage in a new, meaningful way.

Both Romero and Cunliffe had previously made waves in the inaugural TST tournament as members of Far East United, the first Asia-based team to enter the tournament. Their squad, filled with elite talent from across Asia, shocked the soccer world by defeating English Premier League club West Ham United and proving that professional players from Asia could compete at the highest level — and win.

While fans were hoping to see them lace up their boots again this year, both were invited instead as honored VIP guests — a recognition of their contributions not only to the game but also to the growth of soccer in their respective communities.

Cunliffe, the longtime captain of Guam’s national team, could not participate on the field due to commitments to his educational courses and continued development off the pitch. Romero, equally dedicated to the next generation, had to decline playing because he is heading back to Guam to lead his two-week Elite Training Camp, a growing program that’s gaining attention across the region and is now open for registration.

But the magic of this year’s TST came from a new experience — sharing it with their sons.

Both Romero and Cunliffe brought their boys along for the unforgettable ride. With all-access VIP passes, their kids were treated to behind-the-scenes moments, celebrity encounters, and an inside look at the world their fathers helped build. From reconnecting with global icons like Chris Paul, Johnny Damon, and even Ricardinho, to soaking in the action alongside former Yankees players and ex-pros from around the world, this was more than just a weekend of soccer — it was a generational memory in the making.

“Playing professionally for so long, we lived the highs of our careers,” Romero said. “Now, we get to pass that down — not just the stories, but the moments. That’s what this is all about now.”

Cunliffe echoed that sentiment. “We’ve competed. We’ve represented our country. And now, we get to give our kids a front-row seat to the journey — and to the people and places that helped shape us.”

TST continues to grow as the premier soccer event in the U.S., blending fierce competition with the flair of celebrity culture and the spirit of the game. For Romero and Cunliffe, this year marked not just a return, but a celebration of legacy, brotherhood, and fatherhood.

As they sat among legends and friends, they weren’t just revisiting memories — they were building new ones, hand in hand with the next generation.