US Youth Soccer

ORLANDO, Florida (July 23, 2023) – Fourteen teams etched their name in US Youth Soccer (USYS) history after being crowned national champions Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Two hundred teams converged upon the Sunshine State, competing at the 2023 National Championships from July 18-23.

Championship Sunday was the pinnacle of US Youth Soccer’s year-long journey that began last fall, with thousands of teams hoping to lift the storied trophies that Christen Press and Walker Zimmerman once did.

Nine US Youth Soccer State Associations had teams celebrate at the end of the week after clubs from Utah (4), Illinois (2), Ohio (2), Cal South (1), Colorado (1), Eastern New York (1), Hawaii (1), Minnesota (1), and South Dakota (1) were the last teams standing at the final whistles.

Look back on the final day of the 2023 National Championships…

13U BOYS

Real Colorado 2010 Boys Academy (CO) used a high-scoring offense to propel itself to a US Youth Soccer National Championship. The Centennial State’s team scored at least three goals in all four games at Nationals, including the final match against Ponys FC 2010 (IL), a rematch from the two teams’ first game three days prior.

13U GIRLS

Columbus United G’10 Lions (OH) capped off a strong four-game stretch at Nationals with a 2-0 win over Solar SC Solar 11G Shephard (NTX) in the championship game. Both goals came in the second half and propelled the Ohio side to victory after the two teams played to a scoreless draw just the day before.

Friday marked the end of an incredible summer for Columbus United Soccer Club after they were victorious at USYS’ Midwest Regional Championships, National Presidents Cup, and, ultimately, the National Championships in the 13U Girls groups.

14U Boys

Lincoln Justice’s second half game-winner lifted Club Ohio 09B National (OH) over Sporting Columbus Boys 2009 Academy (OH) Sunday afternoon.

Club Ohio’s well-balanced play led them to the final game and a matchup against another team from the Buckeye State, where the two sides’ competitive matchup proved a thrilling and high-stakes watch for all spectators.

14U GIRLS

FC Hawaii 09G Red’s (HI) 3-1 triumph over Brandon Futbol Club RSC 2009 Girls Premier (MS) earned the Aloha State its second — and first girls — US Youth Soccer National Championship.

Kinsley Yearick put Brandon Futbol Club ahead just two minutes into the game, but Kylie Tang’s quick equalizer for the Hawaiians was the first of what would be three unanswered goals after Cara Gouvela and Emi Hugo added second half scores.

FC Hawaii’s clinical play led to seven goals in the knockout stage and guided them to the title.

15U Boys

Utah Celtic FC 08 Boys’ (UT) dominant win over SC Wave Cadence 08 (WI) was the mark of a true champion. Blake Stuart’s awe-inspiring four-goal performance was the stuff of legend, while teammate Brooks Barker added one of his own to cement one of the best team performances of the day.

Utah Celtic’s run to the title included five convincing wins over a quintet of the best teams in the country.

15U GIRLS

Galaxy SC 2008 CvC (IL) successfully defended its national championship with a shutout victory over Germantown Legends Lady Legends 08 Black (TN). Goals from Lily Radek and Gabrielle Smith gave the experienced Illinois side a lead they would not relinquish as they added more hardware to their ever-growing trophy chest.

Just weeks before making the trip to Florida, Galaxy was also triumphant at the 2023 USYS Midwest Regional Championships.

16U Boys

La Roca FC – J Milla’s (UT) narrow win over JB Marine Soccer Club Academy Baum 07B (MO) in an extremely competitive game proved a fitting championship matchup. Both teams advanced to the final on the heels of strong defenses, with each stifling their opponents during the first four games of Nationals.

La Roca’s first half goal was enough after the Utah side hunkered down and once again proved too difficult to break.

16U GIRLS

Defending champion Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT) outlasted Utah Surf 07 BH (UT) in penalties to go back-to-back after the two teams gave spectators a competitive match that could have gone on all day.

Wasatch’s unblemished run to a second consecutive title included three shutout victories during group play and ended with a victory over its state counterpart.

17U Boys

Sparta United Elite 64 06B’s (UT) perfect summer ended after besting ASMBF Miami Breakers FC 2006 Black (FL) in a come-from-behind win. The Utah side left for Florida with hopes of completing the treble after having won a Far West Regional title and Elite 64 national title in the weeks prior, and saw their dream come to fruition after Lewis Knecht’s incredible solo goal in the 77th minute completed the comeback.

17U GIRLS

Dakota Alliance Soccer Club (DASC) 06G Black (SD) became the first team in South Dakota history to win a US Youth Soccer National Championship, finally earning the Mount Rushmore State a place on the wall of champions.

DASC cruised through its run to the final with three wins and a draw, yet the last match was anything but easy. In a come-from-behind win facing off against Solar SC South 06G Adames (NTX), Hailee Christensen’s game-tying goal for Dakota Alliance in the last seconds of regulation sent the final to extra time, where the two teams continued trading blows until DASC 06G Black came out on top in penalty kicks.

18U Boys

Miguel Garcia’s late game-winning goal for defending champion Greater Libertyville Soccer Association FC 1974 Elite-05 Boys (IL) put his team past Galaxy SC 2005 Boys CvC in a title-game rematch from last year. Garcia is no stranger to the spotlight, with his hat trick in yesterday’s thrilling semi-final victory over Raiders FC 2005 (IL) earning him a second consecutive USYS Golden Ball.

Libertyville has solidified itself as one of the best teams in US Youth Soccer history after winning a third national championship in just four years.

18U GIRLS

In a matchup of two Eastern New York teams, Quickstrike FC Patriots FC Girls 05/06’s (NYE) stifling defense once again proved impenetrable on its way to a shutout victory over its state counterpart. Goals from Leah Rifas and Micaela Ross proved too much for Middle Country SC SBMC 05 (NYE) to come back from, with the Patriots looking very much in control all game.

Throughout five games at the National Championships, Patriots FC let in just one goal to cement its place in US Youth Soccer history.

19U Boys

Inland Surf BU19’s (CA-S) come-from-behind win over Council Rock United FC Bucks DOMINION 2004 Boys (EPA) solidified its place in US Youth Soccer lore early Sunday morning.

The Cal-South side went down early after Seth Michalak’s seventh-minute goal for PA Dominion, but they never let up and equalized midway through the second half. Damian Espinoza’s lead pass to Mattheos Agapitos brought the teams level and led to Inland Surf hoisting the James P. McGuire Cup after Felipe Cobain converted a last-minute penalty.

19U GIRLS

Berit Parten’s two first half goals lifted North Oaks Soccer Club Blast 04 Girls (MN) over St. Louis Development Academy STLDA 2004G Rangers (MO) to earn the Gopher State’s first US Youth Soccer National Championship since 1992.

North Oaks’ dominant play led to 15 goals scored and just three against during a five-game stretch at Nationals, ending with the Minnesota side lifting the 19 and under girls Evelyn Gill/Kathy Zolad trophy.

Both 19U championships, as well as Friday’s 13U finales, were broadcast live on ESPNU. The first match garnered viewership with more than 100 countries worldwide.

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About the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series

The US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Championship Series provides more than 10,000 teams from USYS’s 54 State Associations the opportunity to showcase their abilities against the best in the nation, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and fair play. The yearlong competition begins with over 185,000 players in the USYS State Championships. State champions, along with selected representatives from the USYS National League Conferences, advance to compete in one of four USYS Regional Championships. In each gender age group, the four USYS Regional Champions, along with 12 qualifiers from USYS National League P.R.O. in the 14U-19U age groups, compete for the ultimate crown at the USYS National Championships. Overall, the USYS National Championship Series provides the nation’s top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. For more information, visit the National Championships page.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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WICHITA, Kansas (July 11, 2023) – Fourteen champions were crowned Tuesday in Wichita, Kansas, after 104 teams competed at the US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Presidents Cup held at the Stryker Sports Complex from July 7-11.

2023 marked the 15th anniversary of the event and proved a fitting celebration of the year-long journey that more than 5,000 teams began last fall.

Twelve US Youth Soccer State Association’s left Wichita with hardware, after teams from Kansas (2), Utah (2), Eastern Pennsylvania (1), Virginia (1), Ohio (1), Illinois (1), Michigan (1), South Texas (1), Florida (1), Tennessee (1), Cal South (1), and Montana (1) all claimed the cup.

Wichita-based club Kansas Rush Wichita Academy (KS) played the part of local hero in the Sunflower State, with its 16 and under and 17 and under girls etching their name in Presidents Cup history. The 2007 Girls (16U) raised the storied trophy after topping Allegheny Force (PAW) 1-0 on Tuesday, putting the finishing touches on a strong five-game run that included four wins and one draw. The 2006 Girls (17U) left Stryker Sports Complex with the same record as their club counterpart and also ended the week in high spirits after besting Rebel Elite FC (UT) 1-0 in a close final match.

Adam Hunter, head coach of Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 06G (KS), touched on what it meant for his club to play — and win — in its home city.

“It was really important that the girls showed well at home in front of our community,” Hunter said. “When US Youth Soccer decided that they would host the tournament here in Wichita, our club wanted to be a part of that and we entered as many teams as possible.”

Hunter also gave insight into why his team was so successful during a competitive national event.

“We’ve got a great group of girls who seem to be very close together and they support each other,” he said. “It’s reaffirming to win the game and do it as one together.”

Billings United G2004 Pink PR (MT) — the 19U Girls Champions — came out on top of a penalty-kick shootout in the final match thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Maria Ackerman. Billings United not only left Wichita with their name on the 19U trophy, but also in Treasure State lore after becoming the first team from Montana to win the National Presidents Cup in its 15-year history.

On the boys’ side of the competition, Team America 04 Bata (VA), in its fourth straight year at National Presidents Cup, finally left on top during its last run. Having left Murfreesboro, TN (2019), Des Moines, IA (2021), and Greensboro, NC (2022), empty handed, ‘Bata Nation’ left nothing to chance with a 6-2 win over Havasu Academy 04B (AZ) and let out four years’ worth of celebrations after the final whistle.

Daynor Garcia, head coach of Team America 04 Bata, foreshadowed his team’s success last month at the Eastern Presidents Cup in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

“All these games help,” Garcia said. “It brings our team together, (with) the celebrations, all the memories that we’re gonna have. It’s going to carry our pride over to Nationals.”

Boys

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	Atlas FC 13U (STX)	J.A.E Academy 10 (NJ)
14U	Miami Lakes United 09 Boys (FL)	Necaxa USA Red – B2009 (CA-S)
15U	AVSC Storm Red B08 (CA-S)	Carol Stream Panthers Academy 2008 (IL)
16U	FC Ballyhoo 07 Boys Black (EPA)	07 North Carolina Rush Triad Blue (NC)
17U	L30 Utah Blitzz FC B06 – Black (UT)	Den of Lions Strikers – 2006 (NJ)
18U	PSA Lanus (TN)	Evolution 05 Boys Mercurial (IL)
19U	Team America 04 Bata (VA)	Havasu Academy 04B (AZ)

Girls

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	Columbus United G’10 Toffees (OH)	Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 10G (KS)
14U	Ignite FC – 09G Orange (UT)	Empire F.C. 2009 Gold Girls (IL)
15U	FC-1 Academy Girls 2008 Elite Blue (IL)	Tupelo Futbol Club 2008 Girls (MS)
16U	Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 07G (KS)	AFFC 2007 Girls (PAW)
17U	Kansas Rush Wichita Academy 06G (KS)	Rebel Elite FC 06 (UT)
18U	MFA Revolution 05G Black (MI)	KCSG 05G (MO)
19U	Billings United G2004 Pink PR (MT)	G2004 Paisley Athletic Academy (NJ)

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About the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive experience to teams, allowing them to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie, and community from the state to regional to national levels of US Youth Soccer. The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is a separate series of events from the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. For more information, please visit the Presidents Cup page..

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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BOISE, Idaho (June 30, 2023) – More than 200 teams competed June 23-29 at the Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho. Games were played at the Simplot Sports Complex with a trip to this summer’s National Championships on the line.

 Utah — one of 14 State Associations that make up USYS’ West Region — saw six teams crowned champions this week. Idaho (2), Oregon (2), Alaska (1), Cal-North (1), Hawaii (1), and Nevada (1) all had regional championship-winning teams, too.

Michael Montgomery, head coach of Alaska Rush 2006 Girls (AK), talked about the importance of making each moment count when the team is together because of the time they can practice outdoors being limited.

 “It is huge on the girls because we train indoors seven months out of the year and three months outdoors,” he added. “The other three months, they are with their high school teams.”

 Montgomery shared three things that he tells his team when discussing preparation for Nationals with them.

 “Number one, outwork the other team. Number two, pass with possession and number three, enjoy the game.”

 Jose Dydasco, a second head coach, echoed many of the same sentiments that Montgomery did. Dydasco coaches FC Hawaii 09G Red (HI), making the Regional Championships and a trip to Boise a big change of scenery for his team.

 “Playing in Hawaii, you kind of play the same teams over and over and over,” Dydasco said. “So a new game like this, a new team, a new style, always presents a challenge for our girls.”

 Look back at the Far West Regional Championship Winners…

Boys

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	Ajax United Ajax United 10B Green (CA-N)	Real Colorado Real CO 2010 Boys Academy (CO)
14U	Oregon Premier FC 09B Academy (OR)	Xplosion SC B09 Black (CA-S)
15U	Utah Celtic FC 08 Boys (UT)	Players SC Players 08 Elite Boys
16U	La Roca FC – J Milla – SC (UT)	Downtown Las Vegas SC 07 EA (NV)
17U	Sparta United Sparta Elite 64 06B (UT)	Oregon Premier FC 06B Academy (OR)
18U	Las Vegas Sports Academy 05 Boys Red (NV)	Bend FC BFCT 05B Red (OR)
19U	Oregon Premier FC 04B Academy 1 (OR)	Fellowship of Christian Athletes B2004EV (CA-S)

*13-19U Champions will advance to the National Championships.

Girls

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	Utah Surf 10 JR (UT)	Elevation FC 10G Summit Elite (CO)
14U	FC Hawaii 09G Red (HI)	Colorado United – 2009G White (CO)
15U	League 30 FC Shock – G08 JM – DC (UT)	Portland City United SC 08G Red 1 (OR)
16U	Idaho Rush Soccer Club 07 Elite 64 (ID)	Utah Surf Utah Surf 07 BH (UT) (AQ)
17U	Alaska Rush 2006 Girls (AK)	La Roca FC A Bravo 2006 Girls (UT)
18U	Utah Avalanche 05 Elite 64 (UT)	La Roca FC A. Ovalle 05G (UT)
19U	Idaho Rush Soccer Club 04/05 Elite 64 (ID)	Utah County Soccer Club FC Leonas (UT)

*13-19U  Champions will advance to the National Championships.

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About the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series

The US Youth Soccer (USYS) National Championship Series provides more than 10,000 teams from USYS’s 54 State Associations the opportunity to showcase their abilities against the best in the nation, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and fair play. The yearlong competition begins with over 185,000 players in the USYS State Championships. State champions, along with selected representatives from the USYS National League Conferences, advance to compete in one of four USYS Regional Championships. In each gender age group, the four USYS Regional Champions, along with 12 qualifiers from USYS National League P.R.O. in the 14U-19U age groups, compete for the ultimate crown at the USYS National Championships. Overall, the USYS National Championship Series provides the nation’s top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. For more information, visit https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/national-championship-series/.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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BOISE, Idaho (June 21, 2023) – More than 130 teams competed June 16-20 at the Far West Presidents Cup in Boise, Idaho. Games were played at the Simplot Sports Complex with a trip to National Presidents Cup on the line.

US Youth Soccer’s West Region, which consists of 14 State Associations, will send 26 teams to the national competition held July 7-11 in Wichita, Kansas. Teams from Cal-South and Utah had strong showings this past week, with three representatives – the most amongst the West region — from each. Idaho, the host state, and both Colorado and Nevada captured two titles of their own. Arizona and Montana each fielded one championship side.

Leonidas Torres, head coach of Necaxa USA Futbol Club Red – B2009 (CA-S), talked about what the 2023 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships pathway looked like for his team.

“This experience has been completely new for us. We’ve gone through hard times. We’ve gotten to the State Cup finals, we never gave up. We finished as a finalist; we battled again and came out champions.” 

Coach Aitor Lario, head coach of B-Elite DEN 05G Academy (CO), talked about the grit of his team after securing the 2023 Far West Presidents Cup 18U Girls crown. 
“The camaraderie of this team is so, so, strong, and they got to play together, to play as a team, and they deserve that win.” 

Look back at the Far West Presidents Cup Champions…

2023 Far West Presidents Cup Results – Boys

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	LAPSL B2010 (CA-S)	Utah Avalanche Boys 10 Black DW (UT)
14U	Necaxa USA Futbol Club Red – B2009 (CA-S)	Saints Soccer Academy 09B Blue Premier (OR)
15U	Apple Valley SC Storm Red B08 (CA-S)	League 30 MetaSport FC 08B BT (UT)
16U	PRIME Soccer Club07 Boys SSS (NV)	Utah Fire FC 07B WD – SC (UT)
17U	League 30 Utah Blitzz FC B06 – Black (SFC) (UT)	CASA FC – THUNDERS RED 2006 (CO)
18U	Players SC 05B Elite II (NV)	7 Elite Academy 05B South (UT)
19U	Spartans FC HAVASU ACADEMY 04B (AZ)	7 Elite Academy 04B SABA (UT)

2023 Far West Presidents Cup Results – Girls

Age Group	Champions	Finalists
13U	Boise Timbers | Thorns BTT 10 Boise Thorns – Elite (ID)	Real Billings FC RBFC 2010G Parnell PR (MT)
14U	Ignite FC – 09G Orange (UT)	PacNW G09 Maroon (WA)
15U	CASA FC – SUPER STARS OMEGA 2008 (CO)	Northern Utah United Royalty 08G Erickson (UT)
16U	Boise Timbers | Thorns BTT 07 Boise Thorns – Elite (ID)	ALBION SC IDAHO G07 DPL (ID)
17U	Ignite Rebel Elite FC 06 (UT)	Portland City United SC 06G Red 1 (OR)
18U	B-Elite Soccer Academy of Denver 05G Academy (CO)	Eclipse SC 2005 Girls (AK)
19U	Billings United G2004 Pink PR (MT)	Gillette Edge SC 19UG Purple (WY)

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About the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive experience to teams, allowing them to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie, and community from the state to regional to national levels of US Youth Soccer. The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is a separate series of events from the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. For more information, please visit https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/presidents-cup/.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

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FRISCO, Texas (March 3, 2023) – During the second weekend of the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Showcase, the Olympic Development Program’s (ODP) Girls National Select Teams faced several talented opponents in their quests to be crowned champions.

Looking to capitalize on the success that the Boys National Select Teams had the week prior, the 2009 and 2010 Girls took the challenge of going up against the competition’s loaded field head on and shined.

2009 Girls

The National Select Team’s run through the U15 2008 Chapman Auto Group — while playing up a year — left no doubt that they were ready for the moment. From the very first whistle, the 2009s played with an apparent desire to be the last team standing.

Three group stage wins in two days against Heat FC ECNL G08 (2-0), Elite Development Academy G08 (7-0), and Steel United NJ National Team 2008 (4-0) were the start of a special run in Sin City. The National Select Team finished the group stage undefeated, holding its opponents scoreless in the process with Maddie Maves (WA) anchoring the back line and Charleston Caruso (MD) and Natalie Gram (WA) in between the sticks. Rhea Moore (CA-N), Alexa Heredia-Beltran (KS), Jacy Hackler (KS), Delia Loughnane (MA), Adley Accetta (TX-S), and Citlalli Reyes (NV) all found the back of the net during that stretch of games. Hackler continued a run of spectacular form after winning a US Youth Soccer National Championship with KC Legends Academy Red 2009 (KS) last July and receiving USYS’ 2022 Goal of the Year Award.

The National Select Team continued its strong display in its first knockout stage match, a quarterfinal matchup against Las Vegas Sports Academy 08 GA. The 2009s, led by braces from Moore, Heredia-Beltran, Accetta, and Kylie Larrahona (FL), showed no signs of wilting under the pressure of a win or go home matchup while moving on to the next round of play with a 9-0 win.

Sunday morning’s semifinal affair against Oregon’s Westside Metros FC Copa 08G was all business for the National Select Team, with eyes set on reaching the Mayor’s Cup finale. Loughnane, Accetta, and Hackler continued their imposing play with each scoring, while Annabelle Rudden (CO) added her first goal of the event to cement a 4-0 victory. The 2009s played with a visible urgency to reach the title game and did just that, setting up a showdown with St. Croix 08 Academy 1.

Vying for the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup crown, the 2009s stayed true to what got them to the final day and remained the aggressor, with Hackler, Larrahona, and Moore finding the back of the net again. Led by a defense that did not allow a goal throughout the competition and an offense that seemingly became more clinical each day, the National Select Team defeated St. Croix 08 Academy 3-0 and earned the storied trophy.

2010 Girls

The 2010 Girls National Select Team’s showing at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup may have ended just shy of their ultimate goal, but a trip to the championship match was something to be proud of in its own right.

The 2010s’ stifling defense, led by goalkeepers Audrey Stine (AZ) and Paige Stanoch (IN), combined with a potent offense, propelled their advancement out of the two-game group stage. Wins over Las Vegas Sports Academy 09 GA (7-0) and De Anza Force SC 09G ECNL (4-1) were momentum builders for the National Select Team, with seven goal scorers opening their tallies. Julia Dern (CO), Margaux Henning (IN), Payton Galuski (NY-E), Riley Rountree (WA), Kahali’a Huddleston (HI), Kylen Clack (NC), and Lynn Byun (CA-N) each found the back of the net, while the back line remained nearly impenetrable.

In its semifinal match against Nevada Rush 2009 Select on Sunday morning, the National Select Team’s resolve was on full display. In an evenly matched game, Dern’s game winner was the difference between the two sides, with the 2010s’ unbreakable defense surfacing again to see the match out and claim a shutout.

With the win over Nevada Rush, the National Select Team a­dvanced to the final match against Las Vegas Surf Soccer Club Elite 64 09G just a few hours later. The 2010s had their hands full with a competitive and physical side but refused to back down. This championship match ultimately came down to penalty kicks with the two sides unable to separate themselves in regulation and extra time. The National Select Team fell just short, but its special run was worth celebrating all the same.

“It was an extremely rewarding moment to watch these two groups of players come together and work as teams,” said Senior Manager of ODP Aaron Heffernan. “We want to credit the players, their families, the State Associations, and their staff for all of the hard work that they put in to make this a successful week. They represented the Olympic Development Program and its history so well. This is a great starting point in the players’ careers, and we look forward to seeing what this beautiful game has in store for them.”

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.

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FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 23, 2023) – In a long-anticipated return to tournament competition, the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Boys National Select Teams battled some of the best teams in the country at Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup this past week.

Led by a collection of some of the most talented players inside of US Youth Soccer, the 2009 and 2010 Boys were insistent on earning a place in the storied competition’s history under the bright lights of Sin City.

2009 Boys

During the 16^th year of the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup, the Olympic Development Program’s 2009 Boys National Select Team added its name alongside some of the legendary former champions after winning the U15 2008 Chapman Auto Group.

Playing up a year, they never flinched — not even in the face of adversity after narrowly losing the opening match to Canadian team CS St-Laurent 2008M in a back-and-forth affair.

Putting the initial defeat in the rearview and demonstrating a resiliency commonly found in championship teams, the 2009s bounced back a few hours later. Facing San Nicolas Academy 2008 (NV), the National Select Team’s persistence made all the difference. Graham Ford (UT) and Sandro Cunningham’s (NJ) goals, assisted by Elvin Bajrektarevic (IA) and Christopher Munoz (CA-N), respectively, led to a shutout victory and jumpstarted this team’s run.

Playing with confidence and swagger after rebounding Saturday afternoon, the 2009s defeated both Albion SC Merced B08 Academy (CA-N) and Solar Soccer Club ECNL Deleon (TX-N) during Sunday’s last group stage and quarterfinal matches. Munoz and Cunningham each added to their tallies, while Rodrigo Lozada (MI) and Hunter Peralta (HI) also got in on the action.

Squaring off against CDA Slammers ECNL B08 (CA-S) in the semifinals, the National Select Team found themselves behind for the first time since the opening match. The same resiliency that helped them reach the knockout stage surfaced again, as Christopher Munoz leveled the game and sent it to penalty kicks. In a tense shootout, keeper Maverick Deutsch (CA-S) saved two penalties while Ethan Nonthaveth (WA) added the decisive kick to send the National Select Team through to the finals.

In their sixth and final game in three days, the 2009 Boys mustered up every last bit of energy they had. Up against Players SC 08 Elite (NV), the National Select Team’s depth made the difference in the championship match. Replacing the starting keeper Deutsch, Nick Surdenik (MI) stepped in after the intermission and heroically led the team to a second win in penalty kicks to crown them as Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup champions.

2010 Boys

In a bracket featuring some of the top-ranked teams in the country, the National Select Team’s run to the quarterfinals in the U14 2009 Chapman Auto Group — while playing up a year — caught the eye of many spectators. From the very first game, the 2010s showed that they traveled to Las Vegas with one goal in mind. Zamir Loyo (NV), Eli Georgas (TX-S), and Frederic Bond (GA) each scored in the opening match against Tuzos Academy 09 (AZ) to cement an impressive shutout victory, and the National Select Team used the momentum from that first game to notch a second 3-0 win against top-ranked Albion SC Merced B09 MLS NEXT (CA-N) just hours later to cap off a perfect Saturday.

In the second day of competition, the 2010s followed up the previous day’s two shutout victories with one more. Earning a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heat FC ECNL B09 (LV) in the early hours on Sunday, the National Select Team booked its ticket to the quarterfinals, where their storybook run came to an end. In a competitive match against a CASA Inter Sandoval 2009 (CO) team that fielded three full-time MLS NEXT players including Jonathan De La Fuente, the 2010s came up just short.

“We are very proud of the performances of the National Select Teams on and off the field, as they both advanced out of their group and positively reacted to the adversity they faced,” said Senior Manager of ODP Aaron Heffernan. “This experience assisted in the facilitation of their development and was instrumental in exposing them to the next level of their chosen pathway. We want to thank the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup staff and volunteers for being great hosts.”

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.

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